Soldații romani erau plătiți cu sare? Ce legătură există, de fapt, între cuvântul „salariu” și Imperiul Roman

The term "salary" is often linked to the Latin "salarium," suggesting Roman soldiers were paid with salt. However, historical evidence does not support this theory. "Salarium" means "allowance" or "payment," and while salt was valuable for food preservation, soldiers were primarily paid in silver coins. The Roman state began regular soldier payments around 405 BC, known as "stipendium," which evolved over time. By the 3rd century AD, inflation led to additional bonuses called "donativa" to maintain loyalty. Soldiers also received retirement bonuses and allowances for food and clothing. The introduction of the "solidus" coin in the 4th century AD provided stability, but there is no clear evidence linking the term "soldier" to "solidus." Overall, while salt was important, soldiers were compensated mainly with coins, not salt.