The olive tree grows in inhospitable conditions: dry, rocky soil under a hot sun.  The tree is evergreen and extremely long-lived. In Croatia, there is a 1,600 year old olive tree that still produces oil-laden fruit. There are olive trees that some claim to be as old as 4,000 years old! The ancient Israelites ate the fruit (the olive) and used the oil for light, cooking, and ritual anointing. The wood is very hard, and was useful for making kitchen utensils and bowls. Now you can make a functional oil lamp, just like the ancient Israelites!