For the Ancient Greeks, the
olive tree was a symbol of peace, wisdom and triumph. An olive
wreath was made, and used to crown the Olympic champions.
According to the ancient Greek
history, Poseidon, god of the sea and Athena, goddess of peace and
wisdom, disputed over whose name would be given to the newly built
city, in the land of Attica. To end this dispute, it was decided
that the city would be named after the one who offered the most
precious gift to the citizens.
Poseidon struck his trident on
a rock and salt water began to flow. Athena struck her spear on the
ground and it turned into an olive tree. It was decided that the
olive tree was more valuable to the people of Attica, hence the new
city was named Athens in honor of Athena.
Even today, an olive tree
stands where the legend took place. It is said that all the olive
trees in Athens were descended from the first olive tree offered by
Athena.
According to Homer, the olive
tree has been thriving in Greece for over 10,000 years. It was
considered sacred and according to Solon's law, anyone who uprooted
or destroyed an olive tree, was judged in court and if found guilty,
was sentenced to death.
After
thorough examination of the archeological evidence regarding the use
and the meaning of the olive tree in Ancient Greece it is confirmed
that it was one of the most used and loved trees due to its
sacredness, the economic value and the many uses of its products in
every day life.
In older days it was wrongly
supported that the cultivation was brought in Greece from Palestine.
Newer evidence that came to light from pollen analysis are
confirming its presence in Greece from the Neolithic period.
According to mythology the
olive tree was brought in Greece from Goddess Athena which also
taught the Greeks its cultivation. Indicative for the significance
of the olive tree to the Athenians is the fact that there coins
portrayed Goddess Athena with an Olive wreath on her helmet and an
amphorae with olive oil.
