The olive was believed to have first made its appearance in the third millenium BC in the Middle East and consequently spread throughout the Aegean Islands, Greece and other Mediterranean regions. 

However, new fossil findings of olive tree leaves (Olea Europea) dating back 5 to 6 thousand years were discovered by Professor E. Velitzelos along strata of the volcanic crater in Santorini (Thera). Later, on the island of Nisyros, more such findings proved its indigenous existence in the greater region of the Aegean thousands of years ago.

The cultural association of Venerato in Crete has started registering the olive trees in the region, trying to save them. It has also launched a campaign to inform the locals and residents on the historical value of these trees. Most of them date back to previous centuries, but are being ruined by the newest generations. At the same time, the association organizes small excursions in the country, where kids from the region write on the selected trees the word SOS.

By the end of 1950's, when American nutrition experts came to Crete to investigate the causes that were responsible for the longevity of Cretans, they could not believe their eyes! "My God, how much oil do you use!," exclaimed Dr. Ancel Keys, as he was looking at a plate of green salad virtually floating in olive oil. In fact, Dr. A. Keys' observation was subsequent to similar remarks/observations made centuries earlier by travellers from other regions of the world, who were also interested in scrutinizing the daily life and habits of Cretans.