ROMAN PERIOD

For Romans, the value of olive oil which were inherited from Ancient Greek, was priceless.

Since the legendary history of Roman establishment and the increasing value of social and economical structure, olive and olive oil have always been the most supreme

Whether rich or poor, olive and grape were the two essentials of a Roman’s table.

An emperor or commander who returned with the victory, or a gladiator who defeated his rival was awarded the crown prepared with olive branches and leaves.

Also, Romans accepted olive oil as tax. Furthermore those who structured olive grove have been granted with the exemption from military service.

‘THE WORM SCREW’ The invention of worm-screw by the Romans has started a new era in the technology  of olive oil extraction.

This new technique has improved the efficiency and productivity by spending less energy and effort.

‘TRAPETUM’ Another apparatus invented and frequently used by Romans  named Trapetum, is a vertical and conical  Stone-mill which crushes the olives into paste.

THE QUALIFICATION OF OLIVE OIL BY ROMANS

• First Press/The most precious: Olei-flos (flower of the oil)
• Second Press: Oleum Sequens
• Caducum: Extracted from rottan olives used in soap production
• Cibarium: The worst quality of oil only used in oil lamps