They didn’t buy – they bartered! Tens of thousands of years ago, when humans began establishing villages and farms rather than following herds of animals, they traded for what they needed: animal furs for vegetables, plant seeds for fish, arrowheads for farming tools, grain and candle wax for goats and cows.
Phoenicians bartered goods to those located in various other cities across oceans. Babylonian’s also developed an improved bartering system. Goods were exchanged for food, tea, weapons, and spices. At times, human skulls were used as well. Salt was another popular item exchanged. Salt was so valuable that Roman soldiers’ salaries were paid with it. In the Middle Ages, Europeans traveled around the globe to barter crafts and furs in exchange for silks and perfumes. Colonial Americans exchanged musket balls, deer skins, and wheat. When money was invented, bartering did not end, it become more organized.
Picture Credit : Google