Origin of Olive Oil
Browse our map and find out how olive oil has evolved over the course of history.
![Olive Oil Origin](https://bertollioliveoil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/mapa-history.png)
- Olive oil is not only rich in flavor, but also in history. Its origin dates back to 5000 BC in Persia and Mesopotamia.
- In 1500 BC, the Cretans exported oil to other Mediterranean countries, especially Egypt.
- The Phoenicians encouraged the cultivation of olive trees in the Western Mediterranean countries thanks to maritime trade.
- The Greeks started cultivating olive trees in their colonies in southern Italy.
- The Romans boosted the production of olive oil and promoted its trade across the conquered countries of the Roman Empire.