Nero's Tax Reforms: The Portoria and the Populace

Nero: Mad Tyrant or Misunderstood Emperor? — Fexingo History · Jul 14, 2026 · 6m · transcript

In this episode, Lucas and Luna delve into Nero's often-overlooked fiscal policies, focusing on his reform of the portoria—the Roman customs and sales taxes. They explore how Nero abolished the vectigal, a centesima rerum venalium, a 1% sales tax on auctioned goods, and his tax remission after the Great Fire of 64 AD. The conversation covers the compilation of the publicani's abuses, the role of the cura annonae, and the impact on the plebs and provincial merchants. Specifics include the tax on slaves, the quinta et vicesima venalium mancipiorum (5% tax on slave sales), and…