History of olive oil

The history of olives and olive oil dates back centuries. The olive tree is associated with thousands of years of Greek history and tradition. The olive tree was considered sacred and very protected. He was a symbol of peace, victory, wisdom and friendship. He crowned the winners of the Olympic Games with an olive wreath "kotinos".
The wild olive tree originates from the eastern Mediterranean, but the first olive cultivation took place in Greece, and especially in Crete, in prehistory. The primary relationship of oliveoil with Greece is confirmed by the fact that the Greek name "olive" is maintained in most European languages: olive (English), Olive (French), Olive, oliven, oliwkowy, olajboyo, etc.
Recent archaeological excavations in Cyclades, the heart of the Aegean Sea, have revealed fossilized olive leaves 50.000-60.000 years old.
It is indicative that the excavations and shipwrecks of the ships revealed amphorae, vessels and frescoes depicting all stages of olive cultivation, showing the dominance of olive oil in both the Minoan and Mycenaean periods. In addition to the economic benefits of growing olive oil, it was very important in the social and religious life of the Greeks. They rubbed the bodies of athletes and warriors with olive oil, lit lamps and also offered them to the gods and the dead.
Hippocrates recommended it as a medicine, an "iama" medicine, ideal for sixty different applications.
Over the years, olive oil, “liquid gold” as Homer called it, has remained in a special place in Greek life, as an integral part of their daily diet.
Today, 95% - 97% of world olive oil production comes from Mediterranean countries, and Greece is the third most produced country, after Spain and Italy. However, Greek extra virgin olive oil ranks first in the quality of extra virgin olive oil and it is a top quality that ensures international recognition.