A salt tax refers to the direct taxation of salt, usually levied proportionately to the volume of salt purchased. The taxation of salt dates as far back as 300BC, as salt has been a valuable good used for gifts and religious offerings since 6050BC. The salt tax originated in China, in 300BC and became the main source of financing the Great Wall As a result of the successful profitability of the Salt Tax, it began filtering through the rulings of nations across the world, France, Spain, Russia, England and India were the main regions to follow the Chinese lead. Salt was used as a currency during the Roman Empire and towards the end of their reign, the Romans began monopolising salt in order to fund their war objectives. Salt was such an important commodity during the Middle Ages that governments would often incorporate the salt trade as a state enterprise. Salt is one of the longest standing sources of revenue for governments, the taxation policy was so successful due to the vital role of salt within the human diet. Salt Taxing has been extremely influential in many of the political and economic revolts within history, resulting in important historic events including the French Revolution, the Moscow Salt Riot, the Salt March in India, and the Salt Tax Revolt in Spain. Timeline 6050BC – Salt used as part of Egyptian religious offerings and valuable trade between the Phoenicians and their Mediterranean empire 300 BC – First levied salt tax in China, used to fund the construction of the Great Wall of China 485 AD – English fish salting became popular 1360 – First salt tax implemented in France 1631 – Salt Tax Revolt begins in Biscay 1634 – Salt Tax Revolt in Biscay crushed as main advocates were executed 1648 – Moscow uprising caused by salt tax implementation 1693 – William III implements salt tax in England 1696 – The salt tax in England was doubled in order to increase revenue 1790 – Post French revolution, salt tax was abolished 1806 – Napoleon Bonaparte reinstated the Gabelle in France 1825 – Abolishment of the salt tax in England 1835 – First salt taxes were implemented in India, originally placed by the British East India Company 1858 – The British crown took over the administration of India 1882 – Salt act implemented by the British in India, prohibiting Indians from selling or