The sun baked olive groves of the Mediterranean are woven into ancient literature, history and cultural heritage. Between the 7th & 3rd centuries B.C., philosophers, physicians and historians classified olive oil and referred to its curative properties.

Homer and Pliny praised its virtues and Hippocrates regarded it as both a food and a medicine.

The Hebrews used olive oil in sacred ceremonies and saw the olive as a symbol of peace and prosperity. The Acropolis in Athens is always depicted with an ancient olive tree growing on it. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Athena placed it there to win the favour of the inhabitants of the city.

The introduction of olive trees in Cyprus can be traced back to Neolithic times, while abundant archaeological and botanical evidence shows that the olive tree started being intensively cultivated on the island from the Late Bronze Age.

The trade in Olive Oil in ancient Cyprus was linked to the Sanctuary of the Goddess Dianna and Hera. According to Strabo, Cyprus was rich in olive oil and wine. Areas of production in these ancient times are still considered important today.