The Olive Route resembles both the Silk Road and the Spice Route in that the epic adventures involving the transportation of its produce are highly colourful, intriguing and sometimes bloodthirsty. They embody the entire history of the Mediterranean and its diverse peoples. From the Levant on the eastern coast of its ancient sea, to its western shores, the olive tree is farmed. For many living around the Mediterranean basin, such as Carol Drinkwater, this silvery-grey evergreen is essential to their lives and diets. It has inspired painters and writers since time immemorial. For those who holiday here or dream of it, the tree evokes dusty fragrant seasons, an escape from urban life. From Gibraltar to northern Syria the olive route's stretch is 2,200 miles. At its widest,between France and Algeria, the sea spreads 488 miles.