
Olive Oils 101
History Of Olive Oils
Explore our map to see how olive oil made its way through history.

- 1.
With a rich history to match its flavor, olive oil can trace its origin all the way back to 5000 B.C. in Persia and Mesopotamia.
- 2.
In 1500 BC, Cretan civilization encouraged the export of oil to other Mediterranean countries, especially to Egypt.
- 3.
Through maritime trade, the Phoenicians contributed to the expansion of the cultivation of the olive grove in the Western Mediterranean countries.
- 4.
The Greek people introduced the cultivation of olives in the colonies of the south of Italy.
- 5.
The Romans increased olive oil production and developed its trade throughout the conquered countries that make up the Roman Empire.