Don't Panic Geocast

Throughout human history, certain minerals have held immense power, shaping economies, societies, and entire civilizations. In this economic rocks series, John and Shannon discuss how essential minerals like salt, gold, and coal influenced historical events and continue to impact modern geopolitics. This week we start with salt and how it is essential to many aspects of our day to day. Learn More History of Salt in Ancient Civilizations (https://www.historycooperative.org/salt-history-ancient-civilizations/) - Learn how salt became an essential part of trade, diet, and religion in ancient China, Egypt, and Rome​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. The Role of Salt in the Roman Empire (https://www.learnancientrome.com/importance-of-salt-in-ancient-rome) - Discover how the Roman Empire used salt as currency and a political tool to control its territories​:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The Impact of the Salt Trade in West Africa (https://www.ancient-origins.net/salt-trade-west-africa) - Lea