Roman tax collectors were apparently usually extraordinary “extortioners.” The father of Emperor Vespasian – Titus Flavius Sabinus was an exception. He was a tax collector of the fortieth part (quadragesima, port tax) in Asia. According to sources, he was an extremely righteous and just man in performing his role.
In exchange for his good office in Asian cities, he even had monuments with the signature of “Reliable collector”.
