In ancient times, salt was the most important of all stragic minerals. Wars were fought over places which produce salt. In Ancient Rome, soldiers were paid with salt (the word "salary" comes from the Latin words Sala Dare, which means "to receive salt." It is also the origin of the expression "worth his salt"). If these ancient rulers had known of the Bonneville Salt Flats, one would have to believe that much blood would have been spilled in efforts to control it.