OLIVE OIL HAS LONG BEEN more than mere food to the people of the Mediterranean. It has been used for medicinal purposes, and it has been symbol of wealth and power. ln ancient times, the olive tree was the symbol of abundance and glory. Crowns of olive leaves were placed on the heads of the winners at the Olympic Games, and the athletes got oil from a sacred grove as part of their prize. Olive oil was used to anoint kings' heads throughout history.