Which ancient civilizations first introduced olive trees to Mallorca, and how did their methods differ?

The ancient civilizations credited with introducing olive trees to Mallorca were primarily the Phoenicians and later the Romans. The Phoenicians, renowned seafaring traders of the Mediterranean, arrived on the Balearic Islands around the first millennium BCE. They brought with them various agricultural practices, including the cultivation of olive trees, which they valued for their fruit and oil. Their approach to olive cultivation was somewhat experimental, often focusing on small groves near coastal settlements to serve local consumption and trade. The Phoenicians tended to plant olive trees in naturally favorable spots, utilizing the existing landscape without extensive modification, as their priority was to establish trade outposts rather than large-scale agriculture.

When the Romans arrived in Mallorca in the 2nd century BCE, they expanded and systematized olive cultivation significantly. As part of their broader agricultural legacy, the Romans implemented advanced farming techniques such as terracing and irrigation to increase olive production. They understood the commercial and nutritional value of olive oil and sought to produce it in larger quantities to supply not only the island but also other parts of the Roman Empire. Roman agricultural methods were more intensive and organized, with well-planned groves designed to maximize yield. They also introduced pruning techniques and selective planting to improve the health and productivity of the olive trees.

While the Phoenicians established the foundations of olive cultivation on Mallorca by selecting favorable sites and introducing the tree itself, the Romans transformed this practice into a more scientifically managed and economically integrated activity. The Phoenician methods were relatively simple and closely tied to local, modest-scale use, whereas the Roman approach was expansive, combining their engineering skills and agricultural knowledge to develop a sustained olive oil industry. These differing methods reflect the distinct priorities and capabilities of each civilization, but together they contributed to the long-lasting presence of olive trees on Mallorca, which remains a characteristic feature of the island’s landscape and culture today.