To encourage citizens to move to rural farms

To provide food for urban populations

To eliminate the need for tax administration

To decrease the power of the ruling dynasty

Tribute is framed as a sign of political submission by conquered peoples

Taxes are only collected from the capital city

Taxes are voluntary while tribute is compulsory

Tribute is always paid in standardized coinage

Reducing the number of officials in the provinces

Forced production or price controls set by imperial authorities

Providing too much stability for regional markets

Lowering the price of luxury goods in the capital

The grain supply could be used as a political weapon to reward allies or starve enemies

Egyptian grain was the only type that could be used for animal feed

Rome wanted to prevent Egypt from trading grain with the Americas

Egypt was the only region in the empire that paid taxes in silver