Origin of Olive Oil

Browse our map and find out how olive oil has evolved over the course of history.

Olive Oil Origin
  1. Olive oil is not only rich in flavour, but also in history. Its origin dates back to 5000 BC in Persia and Mesopotamia.
  2. In 1500 BC, the Cretans exported oil to other Mediterranean countries, especially Egypt.
  3. The Phoenicians encouraged the cultivation of olive trees in the Western Mediterranean countries thanks to maritime trade.
  4. The Greeks started cultivating olive trees in their colonies in southern Italy.
  5. The Romans boosted the production of olive oil and promoted its trade across the conquered countries of the Roman Empire.