One of the main features of the countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin is the presence of trees. The olive tree is present in Mediterranean countries since the appearance of the first humans in the region. There is also evidenced in the remains of almost all the civilizations that were developed in the region.

In ancient Greece, the olive tree was known for its benefits and usefulness as shown by angiography and wall paintings in Crete and mainland Greece. In Greek mythology, the olive tree is regarded as extremely valuable for its fruit and wood. According to legend, goddess Athena donated to the citizens of Athens an olive tree to win Poseidon and be elected patron of the city. The cultivation of olives began in ancient Greece at the island of Crete around 3500 BC, but soon it extended to other areas. Evidence that the olive tree was cultivated in ancient Greece both for human consumption, and for the oil that was used as a cosmetic, there are at Knossos, Santorini, Mycenae and in almost all the Greek cities that flourished in antiquity.

Over the years, during the Roman Empire, olive cultivation spread to other Mediterranean countries (France, Spain, Portugal, etc.), while the first settlers of the New World brought the olive tree there and it is cultivated in many countries of Central America. Today, olive continues to be one of the most useful trees because of its many benefits. The fruit is a unique delicacy in any table, the oil is the richest and healthiest vegetable oil and is recommended in almost all diets, the wood is used both in sculpture as well as burning material,  leaves can be food to animals, while the kernel of the olive fruit is used as a fuel.