The olive has a long and fascinating history
Here are just a few interesting legends:
A most ancient tree
Olive trees were first cultivated in the Mediterranean in the eighth century BC under Roman rule, although fossilised remains of the olive tree family dating back some 20 million years have been found in Italy. The trees thrive mainly in the Mediterranean climatic zone, which produces 95% of the world's olive crop.
Close to the walls of the old city of Jerusalem stands a legendary olive tree. The tree, with magnificent twisting roots and a solid trunk, is over two thousand years old, yet its evergreen foliage is as lush as that of a young tree. Ancient fable recounts that King David used to rest in its shade and play his lute. Since then, whoever spends time under the tree's silver-leafed branches is said to be able to hear the strings of King David's lute playing the sweetest music.
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