olive oil history
Apr. 22, 2025
Discovery of Ancient Olive Farming in Sicily Challenges Previous Beliefs
Researchers have discovered evidence of ancient olive farming in Sicily, 1,000 years earlier than previously thought, through pollen analysis and historical analysis.
Feb. 18, 2025
Archaeological Exhibition Explores History of Olive Oil in the Mediterranean
The event, held at the Collège de France, displays archaeological discoveries about the trade and production of olive oil in the Mediterranean.
Oct. 18, 2024
Team Lithuania Triumphs at Seventh Olive Picking Championship
In addition to the competitive part of the program, numerous tastings, excursions and social events were held in Brač, which boasts a centuries-old olive oil-producing tradition.
May. 28, 2024
L’Olivo di Sant'Emiliano: A 1,800-Year-Old Symbol of Umbria's Olive Tradition
The millenary tree symbolizes the resilience of the central Italian region, with many of its cohorts damaged by repeated frost over the years.
Feb. 19, 2024
The Olive Tree and The Olympics: An Ancient Bond
The olive tree has always symbolized unity and excellence in the Olympic Games.
Jan. 16, 2024
The Olive Tree and the Rise of Athens
The story of the divine competition for Athens reflects the ancient Greeks' reverence for wisdom, strategy and life's practical needs.
Jan. 5, 2024 Producer Profiles
Buoyed by Awards, the Pope’s Official Extra Virgin Olive Oil Producer Looks Ahead to Harvest
Jan. 2, 2024 Business
Dec. 18, 2023 Producer Profiles
Reflections on 45 Years Championing Italian Olive Oil in America
Dec. 14, 2023 World
Traditional Turkish Olive Cultivation Practices Recognized by UNESCO
Dec. 11, 2023 World
Dec. 7, 2023
Celebrating South America's Historic Olive Trees
The organization Sudoliva documents and preserves historic olive trees which tell the story of the European colonization of Latin America.
Nov. 6, 2023
Making Award-Winning Olive Oil from California’s Centenarian Trees
In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Guilio Zavolta and Rachelle Bross seek to promote and protect the state’s historic olive trees.
Aug. 7, 2023
Olive Oil Production Returns to Pompeii 2,000 Years After Volcanic Eruption
Ministers and farming organizations tasted local extra virgin olive oil and table olives while promoting a UNESCO nomination for Italian cuisines.
Jun. 26, 2023
Canneto Sabino: A Living Legacy of Sabina's Olive Oil Tradition
With roots dating back centuries, the millenary Canneto Sabino symbolizes the history and tradition of olive oil production in southeastern Lazio.
Jun. 8, 2023
Exploring the History of Tuscany’s Iconic Olive Landscape
While evidence of the first olive trees in the iconic Italian region date back to the 14th century, the proliferation of olive oil culture started centuries later.
Jun. 4, 2023
Unveiling the Mystery and Magic Surrounding Tuscany’s Olivo della Strega
Believed to be a gathering place of witches and other mythical creatures, radiocarbon dating confirms the tree may not live for much longer.
Nov. 30, 2022
Centuries-Old Groves Restored and Harvested at Trajan's Historic Home
Dubbed Trajan’s Olive Oil, the initiative is an efforts to revitalize agricultural production in the historically-industrial area.
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. 6, 2021
Ancient Olive Oil Production Artifact Found in Gethsemane
Archaeologists found a 2,000-year-old ritual bath, known as a Mikveh. The finding underscores the importance of olive oil production in Gethsemane during the time of Christ.