Highly prized for its fine flavor, olive oil has been widely used particularly in the Mediterranean since the earliest historical times.

In Greek mythology, the olive tree was the symbol of Athena, the Greek Goddess of Wisdom. According to legend, when Athens, the most famous ancient Greek Cities, was being built, Poseidon and Athena competed for patronage of the city which was to be granted to the one presenting the most useful gift. Poseidon gave the horse, but Athena planted the olive tree, whereupon the city was awarded to her and named Athens.