The Olive Tree in Ancient Greece — From the Olympic Games to Today

Few things in human history are as timeless as the olive tree. In ancient Greece, it was more than just a tree — it was a symbol of life, strength, and divine protection.

Athena's Gift

According to myth, the goddess Athena gave the Athenians an olive tree to win the city's favor over Poseidon. The ancient Greeks saw this as no coincidence — a tree that lives for thousands of years, withstands drought, and bears fruit every year could only be a divine gift.

The Kotinos and the Olympic Games

At the ancient Olympic Games, the prize for the winner wasn't a gold medal — it was the kotinos, a wreath woven from wild olive branches. It was the highest honor an athlete could receive. Athletes would also anoint their bodies with olive oil before each event — for strength, protection, and a radiant sheen.

From Antiquity to the Modern Table

Thousands of years later, the olive tree remains at the heart of Greek life. In Krinos, Achaia, where the Sofianos family has cultivated the Koroneiki variety for generations, every tree is a link to this unbroken tradition. The olive oil that reaches your table isn't just a product — it's the continuation of a story that began in antiquity.

Try the extra virgin Koroneiki olive oil from Achaia by Ktima Sofianos, and taste a piece of this history.