Mythology and Literature - Greek Groves before 2000 BC

Mythology and Literature

Archway First cultivation of olives began after 2000 BC in Crete, Greece. Olive oil production became crucial to the island' economy, and began exporting to the rest of the Mediterranean, North Africa and Asia.

By 6th century BC, olive trees were revered and protected, becoming a symbol of peace; the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, an olive branch was awarded to the winners. It also signalled a truce in hostilities.

Goddess Athena created the first tree during her battle with Posiedon, god of the sea. Athena planted an olive tree at the Acropolis, giving the city of Athens food, oil and wood.

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Greek Ruin Later on, the Romans cottoned on to the wonders of olive oil, which had spread across the Byzantine world (half the oil producing areas in the known world).

Throughout a bitter occupation, Greeks used oil to keep themselves alive. The Orthodox Church uses it as part of seven solemn rites, during baptism down to the little lamps kept in churches scattered across the country. Greek woman

Today, the olive branch is a symbol of love and peace through the world. Adopted by the UN within its emblem.
Every Greek household has a shrine; the flame kept alive by olive oil.