Olive oil was not only a key product in the daily life of ancient Romans, but also a symbol of status, wealth and civilization. Its use went far beyond cooking – in Rome, olive oil was widely used in medicine, religion, cosmetics and household.
Olive oil was the basis of the Roman diet. It was used for cooking and as an addition to food. It was valued not only for its taste but also for its health properties – even then, the Romans believed that olive oil improved digestion and had a healing effect on skin and wounds. In medicine, it was also used as a base for ointments and potions, which proves its versatility.
In the ancient world, olive oil was closely associated with religious rituals. It was used to anoint the bodies of the dead and also during sacrificial ceremonies. Oil lamps were burned in temples to symbolize light and divine presence. These beliefs show how important olive oil was not only as an everyday product but also as a sacred object.
Olive oil was also a basic ingredient in cosmetics. The ancient Romans used it to moisturize the skin, as a base for perfumes, and as a hair care product. In public baths, olive oil was part of the cleansing ritual – it was smeared on the body before bathing, and then removed with a special tool called a strigil, which helped remove impurities and dead skin.
Olive oil production was one of the pillars of the Roman economy. Olive plantations stretched throughout the Empire, from Spain, through the Italian Peninsula, to North Africa. Olive oil was a luxury product traded on a large scale. Amphorae filled with olive oil were an important part of the trade of the time and were transported across the Mediterranean Sea to the farthest corners of the empire.
Olive oil, although known for thousands of years, remains a symbol of health, luxury and quality to this day. The modern Mediterranean diet draws on the traditions of ancient Rome, and olive oil production in southern Europe continues the legacy of Roman growers. Olive oil is not only a kitchen ingredient, but also an inseparable element of Mediterranean culture, whose history reaches deep into ancient times.
