Salt was once worth its weight in gold. Michelle Lee Photography/Getty Images; bhofack2/Getty ImagesBecause of its preservative qualities, salt was worth its weight in gold in ancient Greece. Roman soldiers were paid a monthly wage called "salarium," which was later adapted into the English language as the word "salary." Even the phrase "not worth his salt" comes from trading salt for slaves in Greece. And soon, having salt became emblematic of a person's social status.

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Persons: Salt, Michelle Lee Organizations: Salaria Locations: Greece, Rome, Adriatic