The Economic Strategy of the Roman Empire in the Middle Eastern Provinces, with Particular Regard to Taxation

Abstract

The economic situation in the Middle Eastern provinces of the Roman Empire presents an exceptionally intriguing picture. This is no coincidence, as even before the arrival of the Romans, this region had already been dominated by two major state formations: the Persian Empire and Alexander the Great’s Empire. Owing to the economic influence of these two great conquering powers, vibrant trade occurred both locally and over long distances. After conquering this area, the Roman Empire applied the same strategy it had used in previously subdued provinces: using the agricultural lands acquired through the conquest of Middle Eastern regions, redistributing confiscated wealth, and filling the state treasury with newly imposed, various types of taxes. In my lecture, through the processing and analysis of sources and case studies, I aim to present the differing effects of the Roman mechanism on the local economy, with particular emphasis on the commercial sector and the types of taxes levied on it. Then, in light of the available data, I will show what elements of local micro-economies formed part of the empire’s overall economy. Furthermore, I will examine how formerly influential economic families, such as the Hasmoneans, sought to retain their power within the new empire through diplomatic means.