In AD 13 complaints grew about the five per cent inheritance tax levied to fund the aerarium militare. Augustus' response was to invite senators to suggest their own solutions for providing secure and steady funding for the military.
[...] The Senate discussed the issue, and submitted a few proposals in writing to the princeps. None seemed practical and were essentially a hearty rejection of the current system without offering a viable alternative. Caesar Augustus then announced that he was favoring a levy on property, and sent men to begin the process of registering everyone for the new tax.
A nervous Senate quickly agreed that they would be happier with the old inheritance tax rather than face so uncertain a prospect.
The princeps declared himself equally happy to accept so sensible a solution.
Source:
Goldsworthy, Adrian Keith. "Pax Augusta." Augustus: First Emperor of Rome. 461, 462. Print.
No comments, yet...