Answer: B
Salt
Verified
This isn't just some old wives' tale! Pliny the Elder, the Roman historian, documented the origin of 'salarium' in his 77 AD work, 'Naturalis Historia.' He detailed how Roman soldiers received a special allowance specifically to purchase salt, a commodity so precious it was sometimes valued more than gold. In some regions, salt blocks even served as currency! This is also where the idiom 'not worth his salt' comes from, meaning someone is useless and doesn't deserve their pay. Talk about a brutal ancient performance review, huh?
Next time you're salting your food, casually drop this fact: 'You know, this tiny bit of salt in my hand was basically half a Roman soldier's salary!' Instant conversation starter. Share with your 'money-savvy' friend and ask them if they know which common seasoning is the ultimate ancestor of their salary!
