What do you know about Olives and Olive Oil? (Part 2)

Last week, Ms. Hoffman asked you all to think about olives and what people might do with them. Did you come up with some ideas?

Ms. Hoffman visited a museum in Sparta, Greece to learn more about these amazing fruits!

People have been using olives for around 3000 years. The Ancient Greeks were using them in 500 B.C. and even earlier. But what did they use them for?? 

The olive was an amazing plant that had many uses back then and today. Here is a chart that was at the museum which describes some of the uses of olives.

As you can see, they used every part of the olive tree! They used the wood to build things and to burn for heat. They used the fruit to eat and to create olive oil. We use olive oil for eating today and they did then as well, but they also used it for other things. They used it to fuel their lights and they used it for perfume. Athletes wore it to protect their skin. They used the pit of the olive to burn, to make different kinds of oil, and even to make soap! They used the leaves to feed their animals.

Can you think of another culture that makes sure to use every part of an animal or plant to live? Give some other examples!