In one occurence, according to Herodotus, the olive branch became the symbol of peace we all know of today. In the beginning of the fifth century BC, Aristagoras of Miletus carried an olive tree with him when he went to negotiate for the support of Cleomenes during the Ionian revolt against Persia.

Since then, pilgrims who visited the sacred oracle of Apollo at Delphi carried olive branches with them on their journey. The Romans continued this tradition as well. Furthermore, the god Mars, who is not well known for being the bearer of peace, is often depicted bearing an olive branch.

Olives and olive oil were important components of the ancient Mediterranean diet, and the olive trade was one of the most successful industries in antiquity. Its importance was such that, the olive tree came to have a broader cultural significance. For example, it was used as a branch of peace and as the crown of victory in the ancient Olympic Games.

Olive cultivation was dispersed throughout ancient civilizations thanks to the Phoenicians and Greek colonization, as well as the expansion of the Roman Empire.

The Athenians considered the olive tree to be a gift from their protective goddess Athena, and cultivated them in the acropolis of the city. They had a sacred olive grove (Moriae). The importance of the olive in Greek culture can also be seen in the appearance of the olive branch on Athenian coins.

Herodotus (c 484 -. 425/413 aC) was a greek historian that invented the field of study that we now know of today as ‘history’. He was called ‘The Father of History’ by the Roman writer and politician Cicero.