This chapter was definitely not my favorite. It was all about fish, and I don't even really like fish. I thought it was good that the Romans made salt affordable even to the poor people. I thought it was stupid when they decided to tax salt during the war. The Romans were very smart to come out and make their own salt factories instead of relying on the Etruscans. It is really weird that they sometimes paid their army in salt, I think if they tried that in society today the army would just laugh at the government. I never knew that the word salary came from this and that the word soldier then originated. That is really cool.
The Romans were very smart and conservative people. They were able to get usable salt in many ways. They always used every part of the fish in some way, and they were able to make very many different dishes with every type of fish. It is really cool that the Romans were able to create four different types of sauces with fish. They were very crafty people. It was really neat how the Romans ended up using garum in some of their medicines. Who ever knew that fish liquid was a good medicine!
While some of the Romans praised garum, others thought it was the worst thing ever created. I guess it goes along with peoples food tastes today, everyone is different. It is a little weird that the Romans believe purple dye was discovered by Hercules's dog. The fish were able to provide everything the Romans needed. I never knew that fish were so useful!!! It was cool how they later found out that the purple color in the water around salt was caused by the element bromine. Who would have ever known? Fish are amazing. I wonder if it is a good or bad thing that garum disappeared along with the Roman Empire?
5 comments:
yea chapter 4 wasn't my favorite chapter either. It was basically about food the entire time and it got a little boring. I found it interesting that the price of salt was controlled by a rich powereful leader. Back then they had the power to set prices. I think in some ways it's not like that much at all today.
Uh, this chapter wasn't my favorite either! I mean it was alright, but that Garum really grossed me out. Discusting! I think it's a good thing that Garum disapeared with the Roman Empire...even though it had health benefits. I guess they could still use it today if they wanted to. Good blog =]
Our military wouldn't stand a chance if our soldiers were paid in salt. Even once.
The conservation of the Romans reminds me of the Native Americans' use of Buffalo. They left nothing unused; whatever was left was probably absolutely disgusting.
I agree that is was not the best of chapters but finding out where different words came from was pretty interesting. I agree with Brooke the whole garum thing sort of grossed me out. Also to agree with TJ that was the first thing that came through my head, indians and buffalo.
I guess if you don't like fish then this chapter might not appeal?
The Romans taxes anything and eveyrthing, just like Uncle Sam does today. Did you know there's a special tax just for owning your own cell phone? (it is added to your bill) Sometimes nothing changes.
YOU WROTE: "It is really weird that they sometimes paid their army in salt, I think if they tried that in society today the army would just laugh at the government."
And yet what makes Gold more valuable? At least salt is something you can use to give items flavor while you eat? The term "Salary" (to pay) comes from the Romans payment in salt. As does soldier. I found this to be one of the cooler things about this chapter.
The fish sauce or Garum was pretty disgusting sounding, but it was quite prized back then. Used much like jelly on toast, it was considered quite yummy at the time. I could NEVER eat it I think.
LOL Liquid fish. good one.
I guess it's like hot wings or something like that. Some people LOVE them, others hate spicy food and can't stand it. All a matter of taste as it were.
Good insights.
Mr. Farrell
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