Witness of the Times, Season 4, Episode 2 “The History of Money Part 2: Salt-The Currency of Civilization.”

Episode Title: The History of Money, Part II: Salt — The Currency of Civilization Drop Date: June 9Show Notes In Episode 2 of Season 4, Witness of the Times continues its exploration into the history of money by examining one of the most valuable commodities in human history — salt. While inexpensive and commonplace today, salt once functioned as currency across vast regions of the ancient world. From Roman soldiers receiving part of their wages in salt to camel caravans transporting massive salt blocks across Africa to trade for gold, Dr. Bruce Baker explores how this simple mineral became essential to trade, survival, and civilization itself. In this episode, listeners will discover: Why salt was once considered as valuable as precious metals The origin of the words salary and worth his salt Ancient Chinese salt production dating back to 6000 B.C. The role of salt in preserving food before refrigeration Roman, Mayan, African, and Asian salt economies How salt shaped global trade routes and sparked political conflict Gandhi’s Salt March and resistance to British rule in India Ancient drilling technologies developed in China Salt mining traditions in Europe and the Americas Religious, medicinal, and cultural uses of salt throughout history Dr. Baker also explores the science behind salt, its importance to human survival, and how necessity and utility can transform ordinary materials into powerful mediums of exchange. From the Dead Sea to the salt mines of Europe, from Parmesan cheese to Roman military wages, this episode reveals how salt quietly shaped economies, empires, language, and everyday life across human history. Next time, the journey continues into another fascinating form of ancient wealth and trade: the spice trade. Until then, keep moving forward… but don’t forget to look backwards every once in a while, too. If you like what we do, rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at [email protected]. The Executive Producers of “The Witness of The Times” are Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker. Our music is by Jorgen Hallberg. Witness of the Times is produced by Ezra Media Network. We are your hosts, Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker, and this has been” The Witness of the Times.”