Page "Olive" Paragraph 16

According to Pliny the Elder a vine, a fig and an olive tree grew in the middle of the Roman Forum, the latter was planted to provide shade ( the garden plot was recreated in the 20th century ).

The Roman poet Horace mentions it in reference to his own diet, which he describes as very simple: " As for me, olives, endives, and smooth mallows provide sustenance.

" Lord Monboddo comments on the olive in 1779 as one of the foods preferred by the ancients and as one of the most perfect foods.