8 hours ago
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
A Cause De- Salt Tax and Smugglers
Consider in conjunction with this information the fact that we are speaking of a time when salt was not merely a flavoring or a luxury, but a necessity for preserving food without refrigeration, and even in non-edible processes like dyeing. People had to have it, and to have it they had to pay; but not everyone. Further data also tells us that in some cities the bourgeoisie did not have to pay for their salt.
Going further back in history, Roman soldiers received a salt allowance as part of their pay. This is the origin of the phrase "worth his salt", and also of the word "salary".