history of salt

Salt has been vital to human history, serving as a key preservative, flavor enhancer, and currency. Ancient civilizations valued it highly, leading to trade routes and conflicts. The word “salary” derives from salt payments. Salt’s ability to preserve food enabled long-term storage and supported population growth. In many cultures, it held cultural and spiritual significance. The development of salt extraction methods, from mining to evaporation, evolved alongside civilization. Today, salt remains essential for culinary, industrial, and health purposes, reflecting its enduring importance throughout human history.