In ancient times, black pepper was currency

Black pepper is dried and used as a spice worldwide. This is one of the most common spices. However, in ancient times, this spice is so valued that equated to money and use as an international currency. The 5-Mweka king of the Visigoths, Alaric I and the ruler of the Huns Attila demanded from Rome more than a ton of black pepper in ransom for the fact that the attack on Rome will be terminated.

via factroom.ru