Taxes Roman Empire

About Taxes Roman Empire

The Roman tax system evolved significantly over the Republic and Empire. During the Republic, Rome relied on publicani, or tax farmers, who paid the state for the right to collect taxes. Tax farmers collected more than required, profiting from the difference. This system was corrupt and unpopular. The publicani were organized into societates, early forms of joint stock companies. Under Augustus, Rome shifted to direct tax collection by imperial officials. The main taxes were the tributum, a poll tax, and the decuma, a land tax. Tax collection was a major source of discontent in the provinces. The tax burden in Roman Egypt was particularly heavy. Tax revolts in Judea contributed to the Jewish Roman wars. Roman taxation influenced medieval European tax systems.