Prehistoric Rock Salt Mining and the mines of St. Thomas and Camp Verde in the Southwest of the USA

Prehistoric rock salt mining and its archaeological investigations allows many fascinating insights into prehistoric communities, not only on techniques of exploitation but also on supply and nourishment, the miner’s health statues, the whole world of organic items of a broad material culture and also the social status and circumstances of mining. Salt mummies, as other organics best preserved, range onto the most outstanding findings. Worldwide 7 ancient rock salt mines are known, some nearby the surface (Duzdaği-Chehrābād type), some up to several hundred meter underground (Hallein-Hallstatt type). The rock salt mines of the Southwest of the USA belong to the first type. Research done in the 1920ies enable an overview about our archaeological knowledge.