The Olive Tree in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, Athens was built by the semi-god Cecrope, who was half man and half snake. As the first king, Cecrope unified the populations of the Attic villages of the Acropolis and asked the gods for a sign of their protection. Poseidon, god of the sea, and Athena, Zeus’s daughter and goddess of wisdom, fought over who would give them a sign. Poseidon struck a rock with his trident; this rock released seawater and a horse that could run faster than the wind. Athena planted the first olive tree, a tree that for centuries would give mankind a delicious juice that could be used to prepare food, take care of the body, heal wounds and diseases, and give light. Naturally, Cecrope declared Athena the winner. Athena became the city’s protector and namesake, and the Parthenon was built in her honor. Built near the very first olive tree, the Parthenon became a symbol of Greek culture, freedom and peace.

Another myth says that Theseus, son of Egeo and Etra, chief of the expedition to Crete, defeated and killed the Minotaur to free the city of Athens from the yearly human sacrifice. Theseus was able to leave the labyrinth only thanks to a string—which he had tied around the branch of an olive tree.

Olive trees have always dominated the area around Athens. In 86 B.C., the Roman dictator Lucio Cornelio Silla had all of the trees destroyed in order to build instruments of war. Their destruction was interpreted as an omen of death. Solone, poet, legislator and political chief, had more trees planted and became famous for having promoted the cultivation of olive trees and placed them under Zeus’ protection. Since then, nobody has been able to destroy these precious trees. Another legend states that Alliroto, son of Poseidon, upset by his father’s defeat, tried to destroy the olive trees with an axe. The olive tree fell on him and killed him.

In addition, Homer featured olive oil and olive trees prominently. For instance, olive branches ensured that the souls of the dead successfully crossed the river Acheron to the underworld on Charon’s boat. For the same reasons, the Spartans buried their dead on a bed of olive twigs; those who attended the funeral wore crowns of olive branches to protect themselves from evil.

Eventually, olive oil’s all-important role through Greece resulted in changes to the law and the currency. In 500 B.C., an image of Athean’s head crowned with olive oil was added to the drachma, the Greek coin that was also the most circulated currency in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, in Sparta, anyone who cut down a tree was executed or exiled.

Olive oil also featured in early religious ceremonies, including the Olympics, which were named after the city of Olympia. Here, games were dedicated to the father of the gods, Zeus. Prizes included cash and olive oil. The oil was gathered in amphorae of five to eight and a half gallons each, meaning winners would receive 220-450 gallons of oil each! The winner was crowned with olive branches; the tradition was instated by Heracles, who organized the first Olympic ceremonies. The Romans continued this tradition by crowning victorious generals and emperors with oil.