Medieval Craftsmanship Ancient Beginnings: Olive Wood in Early Civilizations Olive wood’s story begins thousands of years ago in the sun-kissed regions of the Mediterranean. In ancient Egypt, it was revered for its durability and subtle beauty. The Greeks and Romans used it to carve religious idols, tools, and utensils. In these early civilizations, olive trees were considered sacred — a gift from the gods. Carving its wood was a spiritual act, reserved for items of importanc