In September, the University of Warsaw will host a conference dedicated to exploring the role of olive oil in ancient civilizations. The event – “Liquid Gold: Olive Oil in Antiquity – Cultivation, Production, Trade, and Cultural Significance” – will be accompanied by an exhibition and a series of additional activities.
The Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Faculty of Archaeology, University of Warsaw, invite you to an international conference focused on the multifaceted history of olive oil. The event will take place on 24–27 September 2025 at the University of Warsaw and will bring together specialists in archaeology, history, botany, genetics, and climatology.
Often referred to as “liquid gold”, olive oil in antiquity was far more than a staple food product. It was a key commodity in trade, an integral part of religious rituals, and a valued ingredient in medicine and cosmetics. The conference will explore topics such as ancient production and storage techniques, the impact of olive oil on economies and societies, the biology of the olive tree and its relationship with climate, as well as the cultural and medicinal significance of olive oil. The program will also include a reflection on the contemporary legacy of olive cultivation – its role in tourism, education, and the food industry.
As part of the conference, three key-note lectures will be delivered by internationally renowned scholars:
- Prof. David John Mattingly (University of Leicester, UK)
- Dr Erica Rowan (Royal Holloway, University of London, UK)
- Prof. José Remesal Rodríguez (Universidad de Barcelona, Spain)
These lectures will offer unique insights into the latest research on olive oil production and olive cultivation in antiquity.
Program highlights and accompanying events:
- “Liquid Gold: Power, Culture, and Legacy of Olive Oil” exhibition – opening on 24 September 2025. The exhibition will showcase the historical and contemporary significance of olive oil through archaeological artifacts and recent interdisciplinary research findings.
- Olive oil tastings and networking event “Data meets Olive – Science meets People” – participants will have the opportunity to sample exceptional olive oil varieties from Tunisia, Spain, and Croatia. The networking session will provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration between scholars and representatives of the olive oil and wine industries.
The full conference program and detailed schedule will be available in early September.
Free admission – all are welcome!
Organizers:
University of Warsaw: Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology and Faculty of Archaeology
Archaeological Museum in Zagreb
University of Verona
Scientific Committee:
Prof. Tomasz Waliszewski
Dr hab. Urszula Wicenciak-Núñez
Dr Dorota Dzierzbicka
Dr Paulina Komar
Dr Jana Kopácková
Dr Dimitri van Limbergen
The conference and exhibition are co-financed by the University of Warsaw’s Excellence Initiative – Research University (IDUB, Action IV.3.1) and the Centre for Research on Ancient Civilizations (CRAC Small Grant).