Why was Salt Important to Ancient Rome?
Archaeological and other historical evidence demonstrate that salt held an incredibly important place in the livelihoods of Ancient Romans. For instance, it was a natural preservative, critical to the Roman army’s long-term bread-making operations which kept soldiers fed for long campaigns and, according to Roman sources, salt was celebrated as a prized and vital form of wealth. Historians note that numerous major settlements, such as Pompeii, were built on the Mediterranean coast near important salt-harvesting grounds, privy to their need and utilization of this coveted resource.[1]
Ancient Roman peoples maintained salt-works, such as those located in south Lazio, salterns which produced particular varieties of pickling salts. Sour seawater was evaporated in clay pots and pans heated over fire, as well as in heated containers designed as swimming pools, with salt left as a residue which was then stored and transported in jars, amphorae and other vessels.[2] The salty evidence from this activity pollinates the Mediterranean basin from a geophysical and ancient Mediterranean cultural perspective.
Documentary evidence from Roman quotes and accounts paint the picture of a widespread and highly stratified industry, the likes of which included salt-makers, traders, and industrial enterprises. Salt had many applications in the grand Roman empire and was a critical part of the Roman economy. Historian Paul Blundell explains, “By Roman law, traders bringing goods from overseas to Italy or from one district to another had to pay a duty, or tax, called a ‘danegeld.’ It was a tax on pepper and salt and ships, whether it was the movement of product around the Republic or between countries.”[3] In addition, salt was employed to pay soldiers’ salaries and penalties, the likes of which included the “right of passage” to the emperor.
Salt Trade
Salt trade was integral in the complex commerce of Ancient Rome, a result of the great Roman roads connecting major cities — the Appian Way from Rome to Capua, or from Rome to Brundisium, for instance. Salt was highly valued in a variety of industries and consumed in vast amounts each day. The transportation and storage of salt required many vessels; thus, historians point to the development of the Mediterranean shipping network which was enabled by the expansion of salts production. [4]
Significantly, salt was utilized to preserve meats and fishes, make desserts and drinks, and, of course, to add flavor to food. From a medical standpoint, during the pre-plague Roman times salt was frozen and used to treat wounds, cleaning them and preventing inflammation.
Ancient Roman cultures also considered salt a ritual agent. It was employed as a means to purify and cleanse homes, ceremonies, and altars of its inhabitants. Roman historians want us to recapture the importance of salt as an herb for medicinal uses in the cults of Apollo, Jupiter, and Aesculapius, for example.[5] It was understood to be the “inspiration of people” and represented fertility and fecundity.
Salt Tax
Salt held large social power in the eurocentrist Roman times. Notably, salt would be manufactured by slaves, making it a controlled precious commodity. The monopolization and manipulation of salt by the Romans, as an example, dates back to the time of Pliny the Elder and his description of salt production sites near the city of Ostia.[6]
The wealthy elites of ancient Rome taxed citizens on their consumption, with this money going towards the upkeep of the state, the improvement of infrastructure and the funding of other public projects. The Roman senate created the salt tax, called the salarium, to pay the salaries of Roman soldiers, which helped eventually fund the expansion of the Roman Empire.
Roman philosopher, Seneca the Younger, argued that salt was essential for human life, and yet, salt taxes were placed on the most disadvantaged citizens, such as the poor miners and farmers located in the province of Campania from whom the higher classes of Roman society would buy the salt.
Salt and Society
The term “salarium” was borrowed from the word “sal”, which means “salt” in Latin, deriving from the same source as the word “salary”. This reflects the pervasiveness of a resource that will always remain crucial to life, an ethos that Ancient Rome knew and appreciated.
Salt is a rare commodity, found deep in the earth’s crust, and was exceedingly valuable to the Roman Empire both for preserving food and making strong flavors for dishes. It also held a spiritual significance and was associated with life, fertility and divine aspects. Through its utility and spiritual qualities, salt became an essential part of ancient Roman society, culture, and commerce.
Environmental Impacts
The same resource which enabled the longevity of the Roman Empire, is presently the subject of a number of environmental issues. Ancient Roman salt-making was far less damaging to the environment than large, industrial salt production of today, yet Roman methods did bring about a certain level of stifling environmental effects such as desertification in the Mediterranean region and soil salting, which was responsible for damaged farms and soil.[7]
In conclusion, it is evident salt has been invaluable to peoples around the world since time immemorial—from ancient Rome to modern times. 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.
Conclusion
The conclusion is that salt was clearly an incredibly important resource to the Roman Empire, both in terms of culture, trade, and importance in society. From its unrivalled uses in food preservation to its place in religious rituals and even in military operations, salt was integral to the success of Ancient Rome as a major power and indeed in the very sustenance of its citizens.
