Salt - GCSE History Definition

In the context of GCSE History, "salt" is an important substance that has been used by humans for thousands of years. It is a mineral made up of sodium and chloride, and only improves the taste of food, but it also helps prevent meat and other perishables from spoiling. This made it highy-prized and crucial for survival in times before refrigeration. Its importance is evident in the way it influenced trade and economy; salt routes or "salt roads" became major trade routes where merchants would travel to buy and sell this valuable commodity. Salt was so valuable that it even affected language, as the word "salary" originates from the Latin word "salarium," which refers to the payments made to Roman soldiers, sometimes in salt. Understanding the historical significance of salt helps us appreciate how such an everyday item once played a crucial role in shaping societies and economies.