olive oil history
Jun. 27, 2022
Olive Oil Production Revived in The Former Papal States
In Latina and Frisone, just south of Rome, producers are working to increase yields and quality while promoting oleotourism and their historic connection to the Vatican.
Jun. 22, 2022
One of the Oldest Examples of Nonnative Olive Cultivation Uncovered in Jordan Valley
Archaeological remains in the Central Jordan Valley show evidence of the oldest example of olives being farmed outside their naturally-occurring range.
May. 10, 2022
2,300-Year-Old Olive Oil Lamp Unearthed in the West Bank
The lamp was discovered by chance and in very good condition in an archeological excavation area at Mount Gerizim, near Nablus.
Apr. 25, 2022
Olive Oil Production Continues at Historic Home of Emperor Hadrian
The annual production of centuries and millennia-old olive trees promotes Villa Adriana’s historical and cultural importance to Italy’s capital region.
Apr. 11, 2022
Australian Producers Expect Another Excellent Harvest
Producers attribute their optimism to good weather, plenty of workers and more olive trees coming into production.
Mar. 31, 2022
North Africans Ate Olives 100,000 Years Ago, Evidence Suggests
Archaeological evidence suggests that people living on Morocco’s Atlantic coast ate wild olives and used the tree's wood and pits as fuel.
Mar. 29, 2022 News Briefs
Umbrian Villages Steeped in Olive Oil Culture Promote New Tourism Initiative
Dec. 9, 2021 Business
Dec. 6, 2021 News Briefs
Archaeologists Gather Online to Celebrate the History of The Mediterranean Diet
Nov. 15, 2021 World
Sep. 16, 2021 Europe
New Research Reveals Key Role of Olive Oil in Ancient Roman Diets
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
New Efforts to Promote Rare White Olive Variety in Calabria
Archaeologists are working to preserve the cultural heritage of the Leucocarpa cultivar as producers are starting to grow and transform the ivory-white fruits.
Feb. 12, 2021
Remains of 2,500-Year-Old Mill Discovered in Italy
They believe it is the earliest olive oil mill found in Magna Graecia, a region that encompasses most of Italy's southern coastline, where ancient Greek colonists arrived 3,500 years ago.
Jan. 8, 2018
Historic Hadrian Olive Oil Returns
In keeping with Hadrian’s love for knowledge and the intellect, the olive oil will be sold in his Villa’s bookshop.
Apr. 3, 2017
Archaeologists Find Ancient Olive Press
Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a 2,000-year-old olive oil press at the site of an ancient town run by women and dedicated to olive-oil production.
Jan. 19, 2017
Sciabica Celebrates 80 Years of California Olive Oil
Since 1936, the Sciabicas have continued a family tradition of quality production and a commitment to their customers.
Jan. 12, 2017
What's New is Old Again: The Deep Roots of Today's Olive Oil Trends
What might seem like current trends in the olive oil business aren't so novel at all -- just the latest continuations of stories that began long ago.
Dec. 23, 2016
Giving New Life to Ancient Olive Trees in Spain
Amador Peset, a young man from the village of Traiguera, started recovering millenary olive trees after losing his job as a carpenter during the financial crisis in Spain. “At first, people saw me as if I were crazy," he said.
Sep. 12, 2016
Ancient Mill Discovered on Lesvos
The mill, discovered during the construction of a local road, was in use from the 2nd to the 6th centuries AD.
Mar. 10, 2015
Sacred Olives: Athena's Tree on the Acropolis
Atop the Acropolis of Athens stands an olive tree that is a symbol of hundreds of years of dedication and reverence.
Jan. 22, 2015
Monte Testaccio: Remnants of an Ancient Trade
One of the most vivid reminders of the thriving olive oil trade in antiquity is Monte Testaccio in Rome.