in the pre-beginning of our tale, where histories look past the obvious to unearth treasures hidden beneath layers of time, the saga of salt unfolds. this crystalline marvel, central to the survival and advancement of civilizations, has witnessed a continuous cycle of discovery, disclosure, and, intriguingly, non-disclosure. kingdoms would reconfigure entire economies and expedition strategies, not just to harness its culinary worth but to master the art of its keeping secret, understanding that to control salt was to hold sway over wealth and power. this tale, enriched by epochs of silent witnesses, tells of how salt—from its humble presence on every table to its role in shaping destinies—remains a testament to humanity's relentless quest for preservation, both of flavor and history.