Wild olive trees, or *oleasters*, grew abundantly in this area, and evidence suggests that domestication began as early as 6000 to 5000 BCE. Expansion Through the Mediterranean World As civilizations flourished, so did the cultivation of the olive.
Olive Oil Birth of Mediterranean Civilizations
The story of olive oil begins not in a modern factory, but in the wild landscapes of the Mediterranean basin, where the olive tree first took root. They expanded production across their empire, introducing the tree to North Africa, Spain, and southern France.
Trade and Cultural Diffusion The Phoenicians and later the Greeks were instrumental in creating the first trade routes for olive oil. The Romans, ever the great adapters, embraced olive oil with enthusiasm, integrating it into every aspect of their lives.
Olive Oil Birth of Mediterranean Civilizations
The oil was primarily used for cooking, but its value extended far beyond the kitchen. The adoption of olive oil signified a shared Hellenistic and Roman way of life, influencing dietary habits, religious practices, and even agricultural landscapes across three continents.
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