olive oil history
Sep. 16, 2021
New Research Reveals Key Role of Olive Oil in Ancient Roman Diets
Using new investigative techniques, researchers from the University of Kent determined that olive oil constituted 20 percent of caloric intake among residents of one Roman city.
Aug. 10, 2021
Brač Seeks Croatia’s Sixth PDO Certification
Olive oil has played an integral role in the cultural, ecological and economic development of the Dalmatian island.
Jul. 20, 2021
Sicily's Monumental Olive Trees Provide Window Into Island’s History
Sicily’s oldest olive trees have stories to tell. From farmers overcoming adversity to the island becoming a trade hub, olive oil production played an essential part.
Jun. 24, 2021
Pottery Shards in Croatia Reveal Roman Olive Oil and Military History
When describing what is now modern-day Croatia, Cassius Dio said the people cultivated nearly no olives produced no wine. Today, Croatia excels in both, thanks largely to the Roman occupation.
May. 27, 2021
Olive Oil Tourism Returns to the Colosseum as Italy Reopens
The reopening of the Colosseum Archeological Park means that visitors can once again connect with Ancient Roman culture through olive oil production.
May. 20, 2021
Discovery of 9th Century Soap Factory in Israel Sheds Light on Ancient Trade
The olive oil soap-making facility was discovered in the southern city of Rahat, inside an affluent 9th-century house.
Apr. 8, 2021 Europe
Feb. 12, 2021 Europe
Jan. 6, 2021 Africa / Middle East
Jan. 5, 2021 S. America
Cultivating Olive Oil Culture Through the Recognition of Heritage Trees
Dec. 9, 2020 World
Greek Painter Dedicates Athens Mural to the History of Olive Oil Production
Nov. 29, 2020
New Insights Into the World’s Oldest Bottle of Olive Oil
After a series of studies, researchers were able to confirm the content of a bottle found at an archaeological site near Mount Vesuvius was indeed olive oil. The discovery sheds light on the oil's molecular evolution over time.
Aug. 12, 2020
Archaeologists Bring Roman Villa Back to Life in Malta
Using 3D modeling technology, archaeologists and researchers have created a virtual replica of the ancient Roman villa and its oil press. Digital tourists can now explore the site and witness millennia-old olive oil production from home.
Feb. 4, 2020
Greece Renews Call for Parthenon Parts After Brexit
In light of Brexit, Greece will intensify efforts to return the Parthenon pediments to their original home.
Sep. 19, 2019
Scientists Find Earliest Evidence of Olive Oil in Central Europe
Early Celts in the French region of Burgundy imported olive oil from the Mediterranean around 500 BCE, a new study shows. The find is the earliest evidence of olive oil use in Central Europe.
Jan. 22, 2019
Millenary Olive Trees in Spain Named Global Agricultural Heritage Site
The millenary olive trees of Sénia, a territory that stretches in between Barcelona and Valencia, have been formally recognized by the as an important agricultural heritage site.
Jan. 2, 2019
Millenary Olive Seeds Found in Important Archeological Site in Turkey
4,000-year-old olive seeds and utensils were been found in Oylum Höyük, an historical mound located in a fertile plain in Kilis province in Southeastern Turkey.
Nov. 15, 2018
3,500-Year-Old Olive Pits Provide Evidence of Early Cultivation in Dalmatia
The ancient pits provide evidence that olives have been cultivated in Croatia for more than 3,500 years.
Dec. 29, 2014
Pottery Find Proves Olive Oil Used in Israel 8,000 Years Ago
New evidence suggests olive oil was used in Israel and possibly the Mediterranean basin as early as 8,000 years ago.
Dec. 15, 2014
Submerged Village Might Be Home to the First Olive Mills
Archaeologists are excavating a 7,500-year-old underwater village that may have been the oldest olive oil production center in the world.
Sep. 25, 2013
In ancient times, the sale of olive oil in amphorae was an activity undertaken by various types of tradesmen.
Feb. 19, 2013
Testaccio and Olive Oil Labelling
A look at an ecological dump and what it represents, with a view to understanding the true size of olive oil production in Ancient Rome.
Feb. 13, 2013
Origins of Domesticated Olive Tree Revealed
A new study pinpoints the transition from the wild olive trees to their cultivated descendants in time and space.
Jan. 27, 2013
Olive Oil History: Packaging, Transportation and Sale
The main hub of oil production in ancient Baetica was centered in the Valle Medio del Guadalquivir where potter centres made the large and heavy oil amphorae to transport oil.
Jan. 17, 2013
Plato’s Sacred Olive Tree Vanished
Another seeming victim of the great financial crisis in Greece: an olive tree that once shaded Plato and his students.
Jan. 2, 2013
Roman 'Olive Villas' Unearthed in Antequera
The recent discovery of Roman villas in Antequera, Spain confirmed the region's significance in terms of olive oil production.
