Ein spätantikes Wirtschaftsbuch aus Diospolis Parva

WHAT'S IN A NAME? THE EVOLVING ROLE OF THE FRVMENTARII

“…While the old system of taxation had relied largely on imperial officials, the Empire was now dependent upon the villages providing the soldiers with supplies themselves as extraordinary liturgical obligations. 45 This increase in liturgical positions has been noted throughout the later third century and the excessive use of this supply method is likely one cause of the complaints in Asia. 46 As a military unit tasked with supply, the frumentarii were the obvious choice for this, although under Philip at least (or more accurately under his brother Priscus who was in charge of the eastern provinces as rector Orientis) there seems to have been some experimentation with other units.…”

“…Everything we know about the period indicates that the military supply system had become increasingly frayed, with the traditional forms of taxation being replaced with more irregular requisitions. 44 These requisitions could be arbitrary and destructive for the local population. Would it really make sense to dissolve the main figures responsible for enforcing unpopular taxation right at the point they became most needed?…”