What is fanum tax?

Fanum tax was a form of tax imposed by the Roman Empire on religious sites and temples. It was intended to raise revenue for the government while also maintaining control over religious practices within the empire. The tax was usually levied on local communities and individuals who owned or operated a temple or shrine.

The amount of the fanum tax varied depending on the size and importance of the religious site. In some cases, the tax could be quite substantial, leading to complaints from priests and worshippers who felt burdened by the financial obligations.

The fanum tax was one of several ways in which the Roman Empire sought to regulate and control religious activities in its territories. Despite its controversial nature, the tax remained in place throughout much of the Roman period, only being abolished in the late 4th century AD.