WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Wheat and barley were the most commonly grown crops for making porridge and bread. Olive trees were grown and pressed for olive oil. In addition, grape vines were farmed to make wine. Wheat, barley, olives, and grapes were four of the top crops of ancient Greece.

Detailed explanation-2: -Greece started to produce its own olives on Minoan Crete and Cyprus in the Late Bronze Age and, thereafter, on the mainland. The Greeks, like the peoples of the Levant, were soon producing a surplus of olives and olive oil so that they built up a lucrative export industry.

Detailed explanation-3: -Throughout ancient Greek history, olive and other types of oil performed a variety of functions. It was perfumed and worn on special occasions, including while attending a symposium. It was used in cooking or consumed as a part of a meal.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Ancient Greeks had to adapt to these harsh conditions in order to survive. The rugged terrain made it difficult to grow large quantities of grain. Two crops that did grow well, though, were olives and grapes. These became the most important crops for the Ancient Greeks.

Detailed explanation-5: -While olives and olive oil may not originate in Greece, it still has a rich history there. The ancient Greeks used olive oil not only in their cooking, but in many other facets of their lives-their sports, health, in rituals, and as a status symbol. The olive tree and its fruit were considered sacred.