Branche of the olive taken from a bundle of branches consisting of Mimusops schimperi Hochst. All held together by cordage from the leaves of date and dom palms. Discovered in 1885 by G. Maspero at Gebelen in a tomb not later than the period of Ptolomy. (starting 305 BC).

Courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Note: There is also older material of Olea europaea L., present at Kew, from Tutankhamen's tomb (dated to c. BC 1400-1350; Thebes 18th Dynasty), but those specimens originate from a floral wreath :
1) 2 x phials of olive nuts and 1 x small box of olive fruits from the tomb
2) 2 x packets of olive leaves from the floral wreath.