Settlement (Olive Press)

The first cultivation of the olive tree possibly occurred on Crete around 2500BC. In Greek legend, the goddess Athena bestowed the gift of the olive tree on the people who named their city, Athens, after her, rather than the god Poseidon who only offered a well of saltwater. As such, the olive tree became hugely important to Hellenic culture - its leaves were used to crown athletes and Greeks rubbed the oil in before exercise and competition. Olive oil was exported to Egypt and Rome, and eventually all over the Mediterranean. Following Roman conquest, the olive tree and its branches were given to colonies to mark their surrender and the end of conflict. Rome’s expansion meant the trees spread further across the ancient world becoming, like wine and gold, a symbol of civilisation itself.