Crete, like most Mediterranean islands, was part of the triangular pattern of production and trade of grain, olive oil and wine. During the 17th century, under the pressure of war, the rural population turned to cereal crops, making the island self-sufficient for a long time. At the beginning of the following century, the growth of trade with European countries led to olive oil becoming the main agricultural product, facilitating the development of a network involving other forms of production such as soap making. Viticulture continued, producing wine, sultanas and grapes. However, it was only in the mid-19th century that these became an important part of the local economy, while the dominance of olive oil was never called into question.