Ancient olive trees stand as living witnesses to the deep history of the Mediterranean basin. If we trace their origins, many scholars point toward the eastern Mediterranean, particularly the region of Palestine, where wild olive trees were first domesticated thousands of years ago. From there, their cultivation spread across the coastline, carried by ancient civilizations that recognized their extraordinary value.

As olive trees took root in new lands, they became far more than an agricultural resource. They shaped landscapes, economies, and daily life, embedding themselves into the rhythms of Mediterranean societies. Their resilience and longevity made them symbols of continuity, connecting generations through shared practices of cultivation, harvest, and oil production.

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This project, Ancient Olive Trees: Mediterranean Heritage, is conceived as a catalogue of some of the oldest olive trees across the Mediterranean territory. It aims to document and celebrate these remarkable living monuments, highlighting their profound cultural significance. Olive trees appear in myths, religious traditions, and artistic expressions, representing peace, wisdom, and prosperity, and continue to preserve the identity and collective memory of the communities that have grown alongside them.