Where did the production of extra virgin olive oil begin in ancient times, and who expanded its cultivation?

Olive oil originated on the coasts of the Levant, in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel. It was in these areas that the extraction of oil from wild olives (olive oil) began.

It is part of the history of Mediterranean culture , as well as the evolution of its agriculture, and is linked to the history of wine and bread. Olive oil has become one of the star products of gastronomy today.

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Georges Duhame, the French writer and poet, famously said that “the Mediterranean ends where the olive tree stops growing.” However, few know who invented olive oil or the origin of this liquid gold.

The olive tree has been present throughout human history. And not only in gastronomy, but also in cosmetics, as fuel, and in religious rituals. It even appears that the olive tree existed long before humans inhabited the earth. Specifically, its remains date back to the Late Miocene period , 20 million years ago.

Who invented olive oil?

The etymology of "olive oil" offers some insight into the history and origin of this vegetable fat. In fact, although in Spanish "aceituna" and "oliva" are synonyms, their origins are different.

Our word “olive” comes from classical Greek , and evolved into the Latin word “oleum”, “oli” in the Romance languages, “oil” in English, and “öl” in German. In contrast, “oil” comes from the Hebrew word “zait”, which evolved into Arabic as “zaitum”.

Thus, the origin of the word "olive" is linked to the peoples of the northern Mediterranean as well as those of the eastern and southern Mediterranean . Therefore, in one way or another, it relates to areas bathed by the Mediterranean Sea.

in ancient egypt

The Egyptians placed great importance on this liquid gold. Specifically, it was the goddess Isis herself who taught men how to cultivate the olive tree . Furthermore, the olive tree was depicted on the sarcophagi of some pharaohs of that era.

Because the variety used yielded a low oil production, it was primarily used for medicinal or cosmetic purposes. Due to this limited production, the Egyptians were the first to import it from other growing regions, such as Greece.

in ancient greece

The ancient Greeks also placed great importance on olive oil production . Thus, numerous ceramics, jewelry, and everyday objects made reference to the olive tree and its fruit.

Olive oil first appeared in Ancient Greece on the island of Crete. From there, trade routes were established with Egypt and other Mediterranean peoples. It was also considered a symbol of social distinction, and only the upper classes consumed olive oil.

And just as in Ancient Egypt, it was also used as a medicinal remedy, in cosmetics, and as fuel. In particular, at the Olympic Games, champions were awarded an olive branch as a token of appreciation.

Greek mythology

In Greek mythology, the founding of Athens is linked to the olive tree. Thus, the city's inhabitants entrusted Cecrops, the first king of the territory, with naming the city. To do so, in remembrance of the deity who would bring them the greatest benefit, both Poseidon and Athena competed for this privilege.

Poseidon caused a spring to gush forth with a salty taste that displeased the city's inhabitants. Athena, for her part, caused "the first olive tree" to bloom beside Poseidon's spring. Ultimately, Cecrops sided with the goddess of wisdom, and Athens was renamed after Athena, and this first olive tree was venerated on the Acropolis.

In fact, Homer called the olive "liquid gold," considering it one of the treasures of the Mediterranean. And Olympic athletes of that time would rub themselves with oil to protect their bodies from the sun, the heat, or falls.

Olive oil in the Roman Empire

The Romans adopted the customs, traditions, and techniques of the ancient Greeks, including their knowledge of olive cultivation and olive oil production . In this way, they transformed this product, along with wine and bread, into a fundamental element of their economy and one of the main exporters of liquid gold in the Mediterranean.

The territorial and military advances of the Roman Empire allowed its expansion into numerous areas. Both the transport and cultivation of olive oil improved, and the Roman mill was powered by animals, ensuring greater productivity. Furthermore, for trade, olive oil was transported in amphorae.

Olive oil was a very common ingredient in the cuisine of the time, and the Roman gastronome Apicius mentioned more than 300 recipes that included it. It was also used as fuel for lighting and in cosmetics, in perfumes and ointments, as a body moisturizer, to treat wounds and ulcers, reduce fever, and soothe colic, among other uses.

Origin of EVOO in Spain

It was during the Roman Empire that the production, trade, and consumption of olive oil reached their peak. Thus, with the Roman occupation of Hispania, olive production expanded significantly in this territory.

However, olive cultivation had already been introduced to Spain by the Phoenicians and the Greeks, but there is no doubt that it gained greater importance with the arrival of the Roman Empire. In fact, it was among the most highly valued oils of the time, and millions of jars of oil were imported from Hispania to the rest of the Empire.

In the middle Ages

The Middle Ages brought with them the decline of olive oil production, as it was considered an expensive product. Furthermore, it reminded conquering peoples of Roman customs, so it was looked down upon and relegated to the upper classes.

And in Medieval Europe it was the religious orders that took control over the production of oil, giving it a liturgical use and it was used in the lamps of the altars that illuminated the churches of the time.

The technological revolutions of Modernity

The technological revolutions of the 19th and 20th centuries improved cultivation, harvesting, and distribution techniques, but the invention of new lighting methods caused the global demand for olive oil to decrease.

Olive oil today

Global olive oil production is concentrated mainly in the Mediterranean region, with Spain leading the world in the production of this liquid gold . The European Union is the main exporter of this olive juice, and its member states are also the largest consumers.

Olive oil has become an indispensable ingredient in gastronomy. And the Mediterranean diet was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This led to an increased demand for this vegetable oil, not only for its incredible flavor, but also for its numerous properties and health benefits.

The present and future of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) , the true jewel of gastronomy, is as stable and secure as its properties. This future lies in maintaining ancestral techniques while applying all modern methods, and exploring every possible avenue for marketing.