From Mythology to the Table: The Story of Olives and Gods

Introduction: The Tale Within Every Drop

Olive oil is far more than a cooking ingredient. Its story stretches back thousands of years, interwoven with mythology, culture, and civilization. From ancient gods to modern kitchens, the olive tree has stood as a symbol of wisdom, peace, and prosperity.

Athena’s Gift: The Birth of the Olive Tree

🏛 According to Greek mythology, the gods once competed to become the patron of a great city. Poseidon struck the ground with his trident, creating a spring of saltwater. Athena, however, planted her spear into the earth, and from it grew the very first olive tree. 🌿 Unlike Poseidon’s gift, Athena’s olive tree offered nourishment, light, and economic value. The people chose Athena’s offering, and the city was named Athens in her honor. ⚖️ This myth elevated the olive tree from a simple plant to a cornerstone of civilization.

The Symbolism of the Olive Tree

✨ Peace: In ancient Rome, the olive branch became the universal sign of truce. Even today, “extending an olive branch” means offering peace. ✨ Prosperity & Longevity: Olive trees can live for over a thousand years. In Mediterranean villages, centuries-old trees still stand as symbols of continuity and abundance. ✨ Wisdom & Light: Olive oil was once burned in temple lamps, illuminating spaces of worship and symbolizing divine knowledge.

From Anatolia to the World: The Roots of Olive Oil

🗺 While mythology highlights Greece, archaeological evidence shows olive cultivation in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) as early as 6000 BCE. ⚙️ The coasts of Lycia, Caria, and the Aegean became bustling trade centers, shipping olive oil in amphorae across the Mediterranean. 🏺 Beyond food, olive oil was used in medicine, skincare, and religious rituals — proving its central role in ancient life.

From Mythology to the Modern Table

🥗 Today, every drop of extra virgin olive oil on our plates is a continuation of this ancient legacy. The oil drizzled over a fresh salad once lit sacred lamps in temples. 💡 Olive oil remains a timeless bridge between myth and modern health, tradition and taste.

Oro di Milas: Carrying the Legacy Forward

At Oro di Milas, we see ourselves as the modern custodians of this story. Our olive groves in Milas, nourished by rich soil and traditional care, bring you more than oil. Each bottle holds the legacy of Athena’s gift and the spirit of the Aegean, combining ancient wisdom with the purity of organic farming.

Conclusion

Born as Athena’s divine gift, nurtured through Anatolian and Mediterranean civilizations, the olive tree continues to symbolize peace, abundance, and health. And with every golden drop, its story lives on at our tables today.