Decimae, a Latin word meaning “ten”, referred to the practice of the Pope receiving one-tenth of a church’s profits. This practice was later adopted by the English government and was known as decimae. In some cases, people paid the church in grain or wool instead of money.
Decimae is a term used in Ecclesiastical law, encompassing two aspects. Firstly, it denotes the tenth part of the annual profits of a benefice, originally intended for the Pope and later for the Crown. This matter sparked controversy in England during Henry VIII’s reign, as the popish clergy desired to maintain this revenue for the Pope, while the English parliament sought to prevent it. Ultimately, the revenue became attached to the Crown. Secondly, decimae refers to tithes paid to the church, often in the form of grain or wool. To illustrate, if a farmer had a prosperous harvest and earned $10,000, they would be required to pay $1,000 as decimae to the church. This served as a means for the church to generate income and support its activities.
Decimae refers to a type of tax or tithe imposed by the Roman Empire on agricultural produce, typically amounting to one-tenth of the harvest.
Yes, decimae were compulsory taxes imposed by the Roman government on agricultural products.
The responsibility of paying decimae fell on the landowners or farmers who cultivated the land.
Failure to pay decimae could result in severe penalties, including fines, confiscation of property, or even imprisonment.
Certain individuals, such as priests, were exempt from paying decimae. Additionally, some regions or specific crops may have been granted exemptions or reduced rates.
Decimae were typically calculated as one-tenth of the agricultural produce, such as crops, fruits, or livestock, harvested from the land.
Decimae generally applied to a wide range of agricultural products, including grains, vegetables, fruits, and livestock. However, specific exemptions or variations may have existed depending on the region or time period.
Decimae were often collected by tax collectors appointed by the Roman government. These collectors would assess and collect the taxes from the landowners or farmers.
Yes, legal disputes regarding decimae were not uncommon. Disputes could arise over the assessment of the tax amount, exemptions, or the legitimacy of the tax itself.
No, decimae were specific to the Roman Empire and are not applicable in modern legal systems. However, similar concepts of agricultural taxes or tithes may exist in some countries.
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This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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