olive tree
Classical sources consider the olive tree sacred to Minerva, as the goddess bestowed it upon humankind when she struck a rock with her spear and caused the first olive tree to spring from the ground. Olive oil became one of the Romans’ greatest treasures, used to light up the night, treat wounds and offer sustenance to the populace; olive branches honored illustrious citizens and victors. The olive trees present on the Domus Augustana, the great imperial palace built under Domitian on the Palatine Hill atop previous constructions, commemorate the emperor Domitian’s devotion to Minerva. Domitian dedicated numerous temples and homages to the goddess, as we can see by the great number of coins minted during his reign that bear her likeness. (Kremer, 2025)