The Value of a Salt Mine
In ancient times, salt was only available to the elite. Using it in meals was a sign of great wealth, but now, it is readily available to all. Salt was considered so valuable that it was used to pay Roman soldiers’ salaries instead of money. “Sal” in Latin means salt, which birthed the word ‘salarium,’ which in English means salary. Would you like to be paid in salt in modern times? Do you think it holds as much value as it did then?
Salt is obtained from two primary sources: dried up salty water from shallow ponds or smaller water bodies and seawater. Salt is easier to get and readily available because modern technology makes obtaining it easier than in ancient times. So, next time you add some salt to your food, take the time to appreciate technology.