According to ancient Greek mythology, the goddess Athena created the olive tree as a blessing to humanity, symbolizing peace and prosperity. Olive trees flourished across the Mediterranean, becoming a central feature of Greek life. King David of Israel even commissioned guards to protect olive groves, underscoring its cultural and economic significance

Olive Oil in Beauty and Skincare
In ancient Greece, olive oil was not only used for cooking but was central to cosmetics and personal care. Athletes famously anointed their bodies with it before competition, enhancing muscle definition and celebrating physical prowess. Olive oil was mixed with fragrant herbs to create luxurious perfumed oils that were applied to the body, maintaining softness and health. Ancient texts by Hippocrates, the “father of medicine,” praised olive oil as “the great healer” for its beneficial properties, while Homer famously called it “liquid gold.” Galen, the Roman physician, also noted its positive effects on skin health, making olive oil a coveted ingredient for beauty and wellness.

Sacred Flames: Olive Oil in Ancient Lamps
Beyond personal care, olive oil was essential for lighting homes and temples. Oil lamps filled with olive oil provided a steady, soft light that ancient Greeks used for illumination and worship. These lamps, a staple of Mediterranean life, symbolized continuity and were placed in sacred spaces or burial sites as offerings to the gods. The Attic Black collection includes replicas of such ancient oil lamps, showcasing designs that echo the aesthetic and spiritual significance of these ancient artifacts.

A Legacy in Decline?
Today, despite its celebrated history and health benefits, olive oil faces challenges in the modern marketplace. Olive growers around the Mediterranean often receive prices too low to cover production costs, in part due to weak regulatory standards. Unlike the reverence it received in antiquity, olive oil now competes in a crowded market, and its intrinsic quality is sometimes overshadowed by quantity-focused production methods.

Conclusion
In antiquity, olive oil was a treasured asset, symbolizing both health and wealth. This November, let’s celebrate olive oil’s timeless impact on beauty, wellness, and spiritual light—a legacy still alive today.

Interested in exploring more? Visit our eshop to discover this month’s featured items: oil flasks and oil lamps