sóoldatokat

Sóoldatokat is a Hungarian term that translates to "salt soldiers" or "brine soldiers." It refers to soldiers who are paid or compensated in salt. Historically, salt was a valuable commodity, often as essential as currency for preserving food and for medicinal purposes. Consequently, it was sometimes used as a form of payment, particularly in regions where salt was scarce or difficult to obtain. This practice was more common in ancient and medieval times.

The Roman army, for instance, is believed to have paid its soldiers a portion of their wages in salt, which is thought to be the origin of the English word "salary" from the Latin word "salarium." While direct payment in salt might have been less prevalent in later periods, the concept of salt as a form of compensation persisted in various cultures. Sóoldatokat specifically denotes this historical practice within a Hungarian context, though documentation of its widespread application in Hungarian history is less common compared to the Roman example. The term highlights the economic importance of salt and its role in military compensation systems.