Cilicia- Virgin Olive Oil

Virgin Olive Oil (VOO)
Also extracted through cold-pressing, without chemical treatment.
Acidity ranges between 0.8% and 2%.
Slightly lower in quality than EVOO and may have minor flavor defects.
Still natural and unrefined.
Cilicia
Nestled in the rugged terrain of Cilicia Trachea (modern-day Mersin Province, Turkey), the Olba Kingdom was a unique temple-state where kings also served as priests. Although politically modest, it thrived through its rich natural resources—particularly olive oil and grapes.
During the Hellenistic period, Olba flourished until the rise of Cilician piracy, which devastated its ports and economy. In the early 1st century BC, Aba, daughter of the pirate leader Zenophanes, ascended as de facto ruler after marrying the king. Aba maintained diplomatic ties with Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Mark Antony, aligning Olba with their faction during the Final War of the Roman Republic.
The Romans, recognizing the fertile plains of Cilicia, integrated the region into their empire. Olive cultivation, dating back to the Hittite era (2000–1200 BCE), flourished under Roman rule. By the 1st century AD, the Romans exported vast quantities of olive oil and wine from Cilicia to Rome, underscoring the region's economic significance.