It makes you wonder if these empires are worth all the trouble...
i think there has to be a bunch of willing citizens. pay taxes and go along with the program, that sort of thing...
Taxes were largely imposed on the conquered
who were not Roman citizens within the Empire
but made up the bulk of the empire.
If you were enough value to the Romans, they
might exempt your particular people from tribute
and taxes, without being a citizen.
Taxes on Non-Romans varied from heavy collections
to none at all, also dependent on the approach/whim
of the particular Roman governor of the province you
were in.
Romans did pay a variety of taxes, but very moderate
percentages %... the tax reforms of Diocletian in the
troubled 3rd century, were the ones that hit Romans
the hardest.
Slaves being such a large integral part of society
attracted a number of taxes (ie freeing or selling
slaves) and a tarrif on importing slaves.
