The word salary is derived from the word salt. Why? Because in ancient times salt was also a form of currency, in fact, Ancient Roman soldiers were paid with sacks of salt.

In the Middle Ages Pepper was used as a monetary source. Throughout Europe, peppercorns were accepted as a substitute for money. Peppercorns counted out one by one, could be used to pay taxes, tolls, and rents and many European towns kept their accounts in pepper.

In ancient times, spices were an extremely valuable currency and over time the spice trade was integral in the development of commerce and capitalism.

In the early Middle Ages a pound of saffron cost the same as a horse; a pound of ginger, as much as a sheep; 2 pounds of mace as much as a cow.