Olive Oils 101 History Of Olive Oils Extraction Process Types of Olive Oil Health Benefits Olive Oil Tasting Identifying Quality History Of Olive Oils Explore our map to see how olive oil made its way through history. 1. With a rich history to match its flavor, olive oil can trace its origin all the way back to 5000 B.C. in Persia and Mesopotamia. 2. In 1500 BC, Cretan civilization encouraged the export of oil to other Mediterranean countries, especially to Egypt. 3. Through maritime trade, the Phoenicians contributed to the expansion of the cultivation of the olive grove in the Western Mediterranean countries. 4. The Greek people introduced the cultivation of olives in the colonies of the south of Italy. 5. The Romans increased olive oil production and developed its trade throughout the conquered countries that make up the Roman Empire.
