A collection of studies that explore the extractive systems of eleven ancient states and societies from across the ancient world
The studies collected in Ancient Taxation: The Mechanics of Extraction in Comparative Perspective explore the extractive systems of eleven ancient states and societies from across the ancient world, ranging from Bronze Age China to Anglo-Saxon Britain. The contributors explore the challenges of taxation in predominantly agro-pastoral societies, including basic tax strategy (taxing goods vs. labor, in-kind vs. money taxes, etc.), assessment and collection, compliance, and negotiating the cooperation of social, economic, and political lites and other important social groups. In assembling a broad range of studies, this book sheds new light on the commonalities and differences between ancient taxation systems, and so on the broader fiscal and institutional practices of antiquity. It also provides new impetus for comparative research, both between ancient societies and between ancient and modern extractive practices.