olive oil history
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.
Aug. 19, 2024
The Olive Tree and The Olympics: An Ancient Bond
The olive tree has always symbolized unity and excellence in the Olympic Games.
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.
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
Buoyed by Awards, the Pope’s Official EVOO Producer Looks Ahead to Harvest
Pontiffs have traditionally favored extra virgin olive oils of Lazio. Domenico Sperlonga is following in the footsteps of his forefathers to serve Pope Francis.
Jan. 2, 2024
Officials in Jordan Work to Protect Millennial Olive Trees
Although they have lived through war, famine and plagues, Jordan's ancient olive trees are now threatened by luxury hotels and affluent collectors.
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 Business
Nov. 6, 2023 Producer Profiles
Making Award-Winning Olive Oil from California’s Centenarian 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.
Oct. 10, 2022
Farmers in Lazio Kick Off Harvest at Emperor Hadrian's Estate
Agricultural associations used the event to emphasize the challenges facing traditional olive farmers in Italy.
Sep. 27, 2022
Olive Farmer Unearths an Ancient Mosaic in Gaza
The Byzantine-era floor was discovered accidentally. However, the remains of walls and glass artifacts show that the area could yield even more stunning discoveries.
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.
Jan. 5, 2021
Cultivating Olive Oil Culture Through the Recognition of Heritage Trees
By identifying centenary olive trees, the organizers of Sudoliva hope to promote olive oil culture in the Americas and help producers along the way.
Dec. 9, 2020
Greek Painter Dedicates Athens Mural to the History of Olive Oil Production
In his latest work, Stelios Faitakib seeks to show the long and storied history of Greek olive oil production through a uniquely Greek medium.