Why ARGILOS Extra Virgin Olive Oil Is Named ARGILOS

The name "Argilos" (Άργιλος) has deep roots in the Greek language and geography. In Greek, Ἄργιλος refers to "clay," denoting the rich, clay-laden soils of the region. These characteristic red or yellowish clay soils are renowned in the area not only for their agricultural fertility but also as a defining trait in local place names and history.

The name ARGILOS honors its proximity to the ancient city of Argilos (Ἄργιλος), a significant Hellenic settlement founded by colonists from Andros around 655/654 BCE. Located in ancient Macedonia, near the Strymon river not far from modern-day Amphipolis and Kavala, Argilos was a hub of trade and early Greek urbanization. Its strategic placement gave rise to a prosperous city that thrived for centuries, benefiting from fertile lands and extensive trade networks.

Argilos’s enduring legacy in olive oil culture is profound. Near the ancient city, archaeologists uncovered what is considered one of the most well-preserved olive mills from the classical era, providing evidence that olive oil production was integral to local life as far back as the 5th century BCE. The ancient olive press found in this region is a testament to a civilization where olives were both sustenance and commerce, forming the backbone of timeless Mediterranean tradition.

ARGILOS Extra Virgin Olive Oil draws its name from this storied backdrop:

• Soil: The hallmark clay (“argilos”) soil imparts unique mineral qualities to the local olive groves, nurturing olives with distinctive flavor and aroma.
• Place: The brand pays homage to the ancient city of Argilos, linking the modern product to a lineage of Hellenic excellence and agricultural tradition dating back thousands of years.
• Innovation Rooted in History: Today’s Argilos olive mills in the region continue this legacy, combining advanced extraction technology with ancient wisdom to produce top-quality EVOO while recognizing the millennia-old tradition from which they descend.