olive oil history
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
Reflections on 45 Years Championing Italian Olive Oil in America
Nearly half of a century after a chance encounter with an Italian olive oil producer, John J. Profaci looks back on his role in the American market.
Dec. 14, 2023
Traditional Turkish Olive Cultivation Practices Recognized by UNESCO
The U.N. agency said Turkey’s traditional grafting, milling and table olive production methods are valuable to our global culture and must be safeguarded.
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 Production
Olive Oil Production Returns to Pompeii 2,000 Years After Volcanic Eruption
Jun. 26, 2023 World
Canneto Sabino: A Living Legacy of Sabina's Olive Oil Tradition
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.
Aug. 26, 2022
Safeguarding Italy's Millenary Trees
Silent witnesses of history, Italy’s millenary olive trees have proven their resilience over time. Local organizations are working to protect them from climate change.
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.
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.
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.