History abounds with references to the olive. The following are just a few. The significance of the olive in many of the world's oldest and most powerful civilizations and cultures is fascinating and compelling. Its importance to some of the greatest minds in history is inspiring. We hope that you enjoy this trivia and share with us any that you may know.

Olive oil was known to man for it’s hygienic, healing and curative properties long before it was recognized for its culinary uses.

Considering it a gift from the gods, the Egyptians used olive oil as an anti-aging and anti-wrinkle lotion. They also mixed olive oil with milk, berries, wax and incense grains to create a treatment for softer, brighter and more beautiful hair.

The olive was first harvested and recognized for its many valuable properties in ancient India, not in Greece or Egypt.

Homer referred to olive oil as 'liquid gold'.

Since the time of Hippocrates, 'the father of medicine', the olive has been known for its health and curative properties.

The olive tree is the healthiest tree known to man. It is not susceptible to destruction by fungus and bacteria.

Olive oil has been found in tombs dating back to the twelfth millennium.The ancient Greeks and Romans used olive oil for the care (soap and moisturizer) of their bodies and hair. They spread the oil on their bodies before and after bathing.

The Romans rubbed olive oil on their bodies and removed excess with a stick leaving a thin protective film that protected their skin from dirt and cold.

The ancients used olive oil as an ointment and disinfectant for wounds, insect bites, burns and for headaches, tired eyes and poisoning. It was also used as a curative hairdressing. Even more frequently it was used in cosmetics to create perfumes, ointments and creams to message, freshen and soften the skin.

Olive oil has been reputed to be the oldest remedy known to man for the reduction of wrinkles and stretch marks.

In Greece the olive trees were so sacred that those who cut one down were condemned to death or exile.

The olive was considered sacred and according to Solon's law, anyone who uprooted or destroyed an olive tree, was judged in court and if found guilty, was sentenced to death.

Mohammed, prophet of Islam, stated, 'Consume olive oil and anoint it upon your bodies sine it is of the blessed tree.' He also asserted that it cures seventy diseases.

In Egypt, Greece and Rome olive oil was infused with flowers and grasses to produce both medicines and cosmetics.

King David had guards watching over Olive groves and warehouses.

Biblical records state that Moses used olive oil to cure lepers.

The greatest religious significance of olive oil is documented in the Book of Exodus, where the Lord tells Moses how to make an anointing oil of spices and olive oil. During consecration, holy anointing oil was poured over the heads of kings and priests.

According to legend, the city of Athens obtained its name because Athenians considered olive oil essential, preferring the offering of the goddess Athena (an olive tree) over the offering of Poseidon (a spring of salt water gushing out of a cliff). According to mythology the olive tree was brought to Greece from Goddess Athena whom also taught the Greeks its cultivation. Indicative for the significance of the olive tree to the Athenians is the fact that their coins portrayed Goddess Athena with an Olive wreath on her helmet and an amphora with olive oil.

_______ referred to olive oil as 'Medicinal, magical, an endless source of wonder and the fountain of great wealth and power.' Do you know whom?

A. Homer

Shared with permission from NaturOli

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