large body of historical documents and notary deeds shows that production of olive oil in the territory of Cartoceto dates back to at least the 13th century. At that time land was granted by local lords to farming families according to a legal arrangement called the mezzadria. This required olive growers to give half of the year’s crop in exchange for use of the land, and to pay the sum of 100 soldi in case of default.
Cartoceto’s landowners were very keen on olive production. The land registrar of 1590 shows that 116 of 195 landowners in the area had olive groves among their properties. Throughout the centuries, Cartoceto greatly increased the number of olive trees in its territory. For instance, quadrupling it between the years 1590 and 1681, despite high taxes.
The presence of oil mills in Cartoceto is also well documented. Inheritance records shed light on the complex operations that went on among the businesses. As of August 1, 1538, seven oil mills were active in the area.
The oil produced at Cartoceto has always been highly prized. It was given as an annuity to the clergy and was donated to the Bishop’s refectory. It was even used as currency. A document from 1390 says: "A white donkey with its saddle is worth seven quartaroli (61 liters or 16 gallons) of olive oil."
From very early times, the community of Cartoceto carefully regulated the sale of its oil to the public, especially on market days. The seller or auctioneer would store the oil in suitable containers, to maintain it in optimal condition, and would mark the price clearly on written labels, so that foreigners would not have to pay more for it than the locals.
