The timeline of when olive trees were first domesticated remains elusive. However, once this happened, the olive tree quickly became central to the Mediterranean civilizations' trade and economy. Over centuries, it significantly influenced mankind's course and left lasting marks on Western culture.

Fossils indicate that the olive tree originated between 20–40 million years ago during the Oligocene period, primarily in what we now refer to as the eastern Mediterranean. Roughly 100,000 years ago, evidence from the Atlantic coast of Morocco shows that olives were used as both fuel and food.

Around 7,000 years ago, people in Mediterranean areas began cultivating the olive plant, and for the past 5,000 to 6,000 years, olives have been a dietary staple. Further records show olives were consumed in the Levant, and discoveries in Crete highlight their commercial importance dating back to 3000 BC. The Minoan civilization, in particular, found wealth in olives.

Greek history and olives are deeply intertwined. The ancient Greek poet, Homer, referenced olive oil as the "golden liquid," and it's believed its use by humans dates back to 19,000 BC. Greek mythology venerates Athens as the birthplace of the olive tree, with the first tree believed to be planted by the goddess Athena at the Parthenon temple. Subsequently, this tree became sacred to the city. Legend has it that Athena bestowed the olive tree, a fertility symbol, upon the Athenians. In return, they named their city in her honor. The Acropolis in Athens showcased Athena's revered olive tree, while the Academy boasted twelve sacred trees and an esteemed olive grove. This grove's oil became prized rewards at the Panathenaia races. On their coins, Athenians proudly displayed Athena, often featuring an olive wreath or oil amphora. In ancient Greece, the olive symbolized Olympic values like Peace, Wisdom, and Glory. Olympic victors of that era were honored with a wild olive wreath, the "kallistefano." Legend holds that this particular olive tree was brought to Olympia by Heracles after he achieved his renowned twelve labors. Additionally, the iconic statue of Zeus in Olympia, crafted by the legendary Pheidias, was adorned with olive branches.

Early on, the Greeks spearheaded the cultivation of the olive tree in Europe's Mediterranean region. As time went on, Greek settlers and Phoenician merchants introduced the olive tree to other Mediterranean locales. Historian Pliny noted that by 580 BC, regions such as Latium, Spain, and Tunis were still unfamiliar with olive trees and their cultivation.