08-27-2013, 04:13 AM
Richard - that is a fascinating article. Thanks for the link!
So the general consensus seems to be that salt would be widely available, even to peasants. I know some commodities were subsidised or given away freely to the poor, like olive oil and bread. I have never heard of a salt dole, though, so I assume peasants must have had to get it at their local markets. Perhaps those serving Galen used their salt because they had a rich guest, and didn't use it often?
By the way, what is the opinion about soldiers being paid in salt? Is there any evidence for this besides the musings of antiquarians?
So the general consensus seems to be that salt would be widely available, even to peasants. I know some commodities were subsidised or given away freely to the poor, like olive oil and bread. I have never heard of a salt dole, though, so I assume peasants must have had to get it at their local markets. Perhaps those serving Galen used their salt because they had a rich guest, and didn't use it often?
By the way, what is the opinion about soldiers being paid in salt? Is there any evidence for this besides the musings of antiquarians?
David J. Cord
www.davidcord.com
www.davidcord.com
