Olive trees go back 20-40 million years, and were first cultivated some 7000 years ago in the Mediterranean regions.
Olives are a staple in the Mediterranean diet and a valuable export throughout antiquity and today.
In Greek mythology, the legendary first king of Attica wanted to appoint an Olympian god as patron of his newly founded city.
Athena, goddess of wisdom, won the contest with her gift of Greece's very first olive tree.
The city was renamed Athens in her honour.
Olive trees are to this day considered sacred in Greece.
On top of the Acropolis, there is an olive tree. According to legend, this tree can be traced back to the original olive planted by Athena.
