Salt Bricks
In ancient times, salt wasn’t just seasoning—it was essential for survival. It preserved food, helped wounds heal, and kept people alive in hot climates. Civilizations like the Romans, Ethiopians, and early Africans used compacted salt bricks or “salt cakes” as currency. It was so valuable that Roman soldiers were sometimes paid in salt, hence the word “salary.”
Salt’s durability and utility made it perfect for trade across deserts and jungles. In Ethiopia, salt bricks known as “amoles” were carried by camel caravans and used like cash well into the 20th century. It might dissolve in the rain, but for centuries, salt was as good as gold.
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