During the late Roman Empire and throughout the Middle Ages salt was a precious commodity carried along the salt roads into the heartland of the Germanic tribes.

Nov 21, 2023 · Salt was an important source of revenue for the Roman Empire and served multiple political, economic, and cultural functions. As a result, salt was a highly valued commodity in ancient Rome, and its significance still resonates today.

Aug 22, 2016 · Etymologists believe that the word salary came into use during the Roman Empire when soldiers were regularly paid with a handful of salt. In fact, this precious commodity was part of the reason the Romans built their roads: As the empire grew, so did the need to transport salt back to Rome to support its burgeoning population.

Oct 10, 2016 · Salt was very popular in the Roman Empire and early Roman Republic. The Roman Legions sometimes also used salt as currency. Due to the high value of salt, an ancient Roman proverb said that people who did their job well …

May 15, 2019 · In the following centuries of early European history, the ancient Greeks traded heavily in salt and salted products like fish, particularly with the Phoenicians and Egyptians. The expansion of the early Roman Empire also had its origins in establishing trade routes for vital commodities such as salt to be brought back to Rome.

Jun 29, 2016 · Ancient Roman warriors who served the empire received payment with a handful of salt each day. Roman historian Pliny the Elder, stated as an aside in his Natural History's discussion of seawater, that "In Rome. . .the soldier's pay …

May 26, 2024 · The Bex Salt Mines have a rich history that dates back to the Roman era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of ancient salt mining and the crucial role salt played in Roman society and economy.

Jun 9, 2024 · In ancient Rome, salt was a highly prized commodity, known as salarium. The Roman Empire used salt as a form of payment for its soldiers, known as salarium argentum, which translates to...

Dec 16, 2024 · The Roman Empire depended heavily on salt for various uses, including food preservation, seasoning, and even as a part of military rations. Romans built extensive roads known as “Via Salaria” specifically to transport salt from coastal areas and salt pans inland.

Oct 31, 2023 · An understanding of salt’s complex history and influence in the Roman Empire illuminates how such a seemingly common mineral has held power and social utility for centuries.