History of the Origin

The history of olives in Crete, Greece dates back thousands of years. The oldest known living olive tree in the world "ancient olive tree of Vouves" is located in the municipality of Kolymvari in Crete, and is estimated to be over 4,000 years old.

Archaeological evidence suggests that olives were being cultivated in Crete as early as the Minoan period (3000-1000 BC). Minoans used olive oil for a variety of purposes, including cooking, lighting, and cosmetics. Olive oil was also a valuable export commodity, and helped to fuel the Minoan economy.

During the Mycenaean period (1600-1100 BC), olive cultivation continued to be important in Crete. The Mycenaeans built large olive oil storage facilities at their palaces, and olive oil was used in religious ceremonies and rituals.

After the fall of the Mycenaean civilization, olive cultivation declined in Crete for a period of time. However, it began to flourish again during the Byzantine period (330-1453 AD). The Byzantines planted olive trees throughout the island, and olive oil became one of Crete's most important exports.

Olive cultivation continued to be important in Crete under Venetian rule (1204-1669 AD). The Venetians introduced new olive oil production techniques, and olive oil became even more important to the Cretan economy.