Olive oil is a natural oil used by humans for thousands of years. Olive oil, obtained by pressing the olive fruit obtained from the olive tree, has historically been used as an important foodstuff in the Mediterranean region, especially in Greece, Spain and Italy.
Olive oil has a long history dating back to 3000 BC. Ancient Egyptians used olive oil for medicinal purposes. The Greeks used olive oil for beauty care and olive oil was used to lubricate the bodies of athletes at the Athens Olympics.
During the Roman Empire, olive oil production and consumption increased. The Roman Emperor Augustus encouraged the cultivation of olive trees in Italy and increased olive oil production. The Roman army used olive oil production as a military strategic resource.
In the Middle Ages, olive oil production became more widespread in Spain and Italy. In the Andalusia region, olive oil production developed greatly and this region is still one of the most important olive oil production centres in the world.
Olive oil became a popular material in Europe during the Renaissance. Italian painters prepared paint mixtures using olive oil, and Michelangelo is known as an artist who worked with olive oil.
Today, olive oil is still an essential part of the Mediterranean diet and is an important food for a healthy lifestyle. Olive trees are still cultivated throughout the world and olive oil production is increasing, thanks to the sunny climate and fertile soil of the Mediterranean region.