ESL Blogs

Olive trees originated in a number of Mediterranean countries such as  Italy and Greece around 5000 BC, but it was the Ancient Greeks who first cultivated them and pressed the oil in Crete. From there the oil was exported to mainland  Greece, the rest of the Mediterranean as well as Asia Minor and Northern Africa . The Romans then planted olive groves throughout the entire Mediterranean basin.

Olive oil was (and still is ) an important part of Greek culture and it has had many medicinal, magical, ceremonial and practical

uses throughout history. It has been used in medicines, lamps, candles, soap and of course food. It was associated with strength, health, youth, power and beauty and was seen as precious and so was also a very valuable commodity. At one point anyone who cut down an olive tree was sentenced to death.

Today, we know that there is truth in some of the ancient beliefs. Olive oil has many nutritional benefits and it is a well-known fact that people who eat a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil have less chance of contracting diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

QUESTIONS

Which areas imported Cretan olive oil?...............................................

Which other civilisation also cultivated olive trees?...........................................

In what ways have people used olive oil?........................

Why was olive oil considered precious?...........................................

What was the punishment for those who cut down olive trees?

Why is olive oil beneficial ?..............................