Salt has shaped human history in ways that go beyond seasoning food. Because salt was indispensable for preserving meat and fish before refrigeration, control of salt sources granted economic and political power. The Roman state subsidized salt rations for soldiers; medieval Venice grew wealthy in part by monopolizing trade routes; and many modern cities trace their origins to salt mines or salt roads.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- A
Roman soldiers were paid in salt.
- Bcheck_circle
Salt's preservative role made it a politically and economically significant resource throughout history.
- C
Refrigeration ended the importance of salt.
- D
Salt is essential for human nutrition.
Explanation
The passage centers on salt's broader historical significance — B. A is unsupported; C is one example; D is not stated.