The use and value of salt

[Michael Kerr]

Salt in ancient times was a very important commodity simply for the fact that without refrigeration there was no other way to preserve perishable foods. Where winters were harsh, food collected in summers would have to be cured, preserved & stored (beef, pork, fish & vegetables) so I think salt trading or bartering was common at every market. The Greeks used salt as a currency in exchange for slaves where the expression “not worth his salt" originated although I have heard it could have originated in the Roman army in relation to a soldier's salt allowance & how he measured up as a soldier. Salt would be handy to a legionary sometimes just to make bad meat edible in some situations with no fresh meat available. Governments did very nicely out of tolls on salt trade so salt was very important to not only Romans but all ancient civilisations.
Regards
Michael Kerr