Toll

The Encyclopedia of Ancient History, pp. 1–2

Abstract

Abstract In Greek and Roman society, several types of tolls were in use. The most important Greek tax was the so‐calledpentekoste. The majority of Roman taxes were situated at the frontiers of the Roman Empire and its harbors; besides these points, there were also tolls at city gates, roads, province boundaries, mountain passes, and bridges. The Latin word for toll isportorium, a word connected withportus, “harbor.” Livy cites this word at first in 508bce. There is discussion about the importance of (local) tolls. Some groups of people and some goods were exempt from toll. For thepublicaniortelonai, the investigation was a problem.

Authors 1

1. Cornelis van Tilburg corresponding Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University, Netherlands