Tariffs: Echoes from Ancient Rome
At its greatest extent under its emperor Trajan, the Imperium Romanum dominated the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and vast areas of the European continent, Northern Africa and the Middle East. Its political influence also helped to consolidate and pacify trade. The stable, high volume of commerce provided the central power in Rome with a rich source of income through customs policy - a topic that has been the subject of heated debate since the tide changed in the White House.
Picture Rome before Augustus took the reins around 27 BC. The financial system was a mess - a sprawling beast where local officials and provincial governors collected whatever they could grab, often pocketing more than they reported. It was less an economy and more a free-for-all, with corruption as common as the cobblestones on the Appian Way. Then came Augustus, stepping in to centralize and streamline Rome’s fiscal chaos. By 6 AD, he rolled out the Portorium publicum, a tariff system that wasn’t just about raking in denarii but about weaving an economic web across the empire. This wasn’t petty governance; it was a grand strategy, a way to assert control over the arteries of trade that pulsed through Rome’s vast domain.
The Roman state’s financial machinery was a marvel of its time, a complex tapestry of revenue streams that kept the empire humming. Before Augustus’ reforms, the state leaned heavily on direct taxes—the tributum—which hit landowners and citizens based on their wealth and property. Historians estimate this made up about 30-40% of Rome’s state income by the late 1st century BC, a steady flow that paid for legions, infrastructure like roads or aqueducts, and the occasional lavish triumph and the famous vulgar games - 'panem et circenses', financed by the tax payer to entertain a growing army of parasitically living individuals from all parts of the known world. But it wasn’t enough on its own, and that’s where the indirect taxes like the Portorium came in, pulling in roughly 20-30% of the total haul. Within that slice, the Portorium itself might’ve accounted for 10-20%, depending on the ebb and flow of trade across the Mediterranean and beyond.
This tariff wasn’t just a tax; it was Rome’s way of putting a tollbooth on every trade route, ensuring that every amphora of wine or bundle of silk moving through its ports or frontiers paid its dues. Free trade principles weren't even a dream, they were completely out of reach as geopolitics those days were power politics in its basic form. Controlling the bottlenecks like the Dardanells were crucial part of stabilizing centralized power - a phenomenon we're witnessing again in our days, thinking of the Suez or Panama Channels. Bloodlines of Roman power where the flourishing provinces, the empire’s cash cows. From 27 BC to 14 AD, as Augustus solidified his grip, tributes from conquered lands and the spoils of war brought in another 20-30% of the state’s revenue. Think of it like Rome’s version of colonial dividends - gold, grain, and slaves funneled back to the capital from places like Gaul, Egypt, the depths of Africa or Sarmathia and Hispania. And let’s not forget the miscellaneous streams: selling public offices, tapping into mining profits, and other creative hustles that could’ve added another 10-20% to the pot. By the Pax Romana’s height in the 2nd century AD, this mix was a well-oiled machine, balancing the empire’s sprawling needs with a ruthless efficiency that modern central banks might envy.
The Portorium wasn’t just about the numbers, though. It was Rome’s economic heartbeat, a tool for more than just filling the treasury. Augustus didn’t slap tariffs on goods out of boredom; he used them to control the empire’s lifeblood - international trade which included even the famous east asian trade routes, the Silk Road. By setting standardized rates around 6 AD, he gave merchants a predictable game to play, not unlike how Bitcoin promises stability in a wild financial world. If you were shipping spices from the East or marble from Greece, you knew what Rome would take at the gate, and that predictability fostered commerce even as it lined imperial pockets. It was a delicate dance: keep the provinces prosperous enough to pay, but tethered tight enough to never forget who held the reins. The execution of this system leaned on the publicani, Rome’s tax farmers and a real plague for their respect people, a practice that stretched back to the 2nd century BC. These private contractors bid for the right to collect tariffs, turning tax collection into a competitive enterprise. It was a brilliant outsourcing move: Rome set the rules, the publicani played the game, and the state reaped the rewards. Of course, it wasn’t flawless; corruption crept in like weeds in a vineyard, prompting reforms by the 3rd century AD to tighten oversight. Still, the ingenuity of it all - turning tax collection into a profit-driven hustle - feels like a distant ancestor to today’s public-private partnerships.
Fast forward to 2025, and the parallels are uncanny. Nations wield tariffs like Rome once did, not just for revenue but for leverage. The U.S. hikes duties on Chinese tech to protect its industries; the EU adjusts post-Brexit trade barriers to redefine its economic borders; developing nations shield their markets to grow without being swallowed by giants. It’s all about control: over wealth, influence, and stability - just as Augustus sought control over his empire’s economic flows. The Portorium integrated Rome’s diverse regions under one economic umbrella, much like modern trade blocs try to harmonize their members while fending off outsiders. Rome centralized its economy to stabilize an empire (it failed in the end); today, we wrestle with whether centralized policies or decentralized systems like Bitcoin hold the key to economic freedom. The Portorium was Rome’s way of saying, “We’ll let you trade, but on our terms,” a sentiment echoed in every tariff hike or trade sanction we see today. By the empire’s peak in the 2nd century AD, this system had evolved into a cornerstone of Roman dominance, proving that economic policy could be as mighty a weapon as any legion. Rome’s example stands as a reminder: control the flow of wealth, and you control the game. History doesn’t just repeat—it resonates, and the echoes of Roman tariffs are loud and clear in 2025.
#History #AncientRome #Tariffs #StateFinance #Bitcoin #Nostr #TradePolicy #HistoryLessons #Grownostr #Economx #usa #trump
I'll try it. Friday I'm back in Germany to my mother's funeral. Tough weeks for the fam
That's how it feels having a real opposition for the first time in Your life
USA And Russia Prepare For The Time After Sanctions
While the Europeans have to reorganize themselves after the obvious withdrawal of the Americans from European affairs, US investors are preparing the comeback of Nord Stream 2 together with Gazprom.
It is this disparity of action and the completely different perception of reality that is astonishing. The Europeans, culturally and economically shaken by the crisis, are letting their sabres rattle louder, while they have shrunk to a dwarf militarily. They are like a drunken poker player who can no longer distinguish a seven of hearts from an ace of clubs. With this denial of reality, the globalists from London and Brussels have plunged the people of the continent into a deep crisis, which more and more people are becoming aware of. Tough times ahead. The only good thing is that the money for more proxy wars will soon dry up and the senseless dying will end.
Source: https://shorturl.at/k9En4
#EU #UK #wef #russia #usa #nostr #grownostr #nordstream2 #trump #bitcoin
GM,
February 2025 is also in the books and we take a quick look at it and see that we briefly stopped off in Absurdistan!
Equities from China, of all places, which is in a deflationary death spiral, and Germany, which has politically shot itself in the brain, dominated February's asset performance.
Meanwhile our horse in the stable, Bitcoin, took a short breather in what has become a year-long ride. But I expect that, in view of improving economic macro data and an improved credit supply on a global level, the race will soon be on again and Bitcoin will regain its well-deserved top position.
And always remember: we are running a marathon here, with the goal firmly in sight and with the lowest possible time preference. That's how we win! The rest is noise.
#bitcoin #2025 #nostr #grownostr #plebchain #assets #capital #markets #economy #btc
The question of responsibility. I am more and more interested in UK's obsession with Russia and the involvement of the City of London in financing Hitler
It's almost impossible to find an up-to-date overview, so I asked Grok. Here you can find tax news: https://www.steuerzahler.de/steuernews/?L=0
Here’s an overview of the main tax types and tax rates in Germany, translated into English. Germany has a complex tax system with over 40 different taxes, categorized by revenue authority (federal, state, municipal), tax object (property, transaction, consumption), or collection method (direct/indirect). Tax rates vary depending on the type and can be fixed, proportional, or progressive. Below, I’ll list the most significant taxes and their rates as of March 2025 (based on data available up to that point). Note that rates and regulations may change—check the German Federal Ministry of Finance website or consult a tax advisor for the latest details.
Overview of Tax Types and Rates
1. Income Tax (Einkommensteuer - ESt)
Description: Tax on the income of natural persons (e.g., wages, salaries, capital gains).
Tax Rate: Progressive, based on taxable income (zvE):
Tax-Free Allowance: Up to €11,604 (2024, likely adjusted for 2025).
Entry Rate: 14% above the tax-free allowance.
Marginal Rate: Increases progressively to 42% from €66,761 zvE (2024).
Top Rate ("Rich Tax"): 45% from €277,826 zvE (2024).
Note: Includes payroll tax (Lohnsteuer) and capital gains tax as collection methods.
2. Value-Added Tax (Umsatzsteuer - USt) / Sales Tax
Description: Tax on the sale of goods and services, indirectly borne by consumers.
Tax Rate:
Standard: 19%.
Reduced: 7% (e.g., for food, books, cultural events).
Special Rule: Flat rates for agriculture/forestry (5.5% for forestry products, 10.7% for agricultural sales).
3. Trade Tax (Gewerbesteuer - GewSt)
Description: Municipal tax on the profits of businesses.
Tax Rate:
Base Rate: 3.5%.
Municipal Multiplier: Varies by municipality (200–500%), resulting in effective rates of 14–17%.
Exemption: €24,500 for sole proprietors and partnerships.
4. Corporate Income Tax (Körperschaftsteuer - KörpSt)
Description: Tax on the income of legal entities (e.g., GmbH, AG).
Tax Rate: Flat 15% on taxable income.
5. Payroll Tax (Lohnsteuer)
Description: Prepayment of income tax, deducted from wages.
Tax Rate: Matches the individual income tax rate (progressive, see above).
6. Capital Gains Tax / Withholding Tax (Kapitalertragsteuer)
Description: Tax on capital income (e.g., interest, dividends).
Tax Rate: 25% (plus 5.5% solidarity surcharge and, if applicable, church tax).
7. Solidarity Surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag)
Description: Surcharge on income and corporate tax, originally to fund reunification.
Tax Rate: 5.5% of income or corporate tax; phased out for most taxpayers since 2021 (exemption threshold: ~€17,543 zvE for singles, 2024).
8. Church Tax (Kirchensteuer)
Description: Tax for members of recognized religious communities.
Tax Rate: 8% or 9% of income tax (varies by state, e.g., 8% in Bavaria, 9% in North Rhine-Westphalia).
9. Inheritance and Gift Tax (Erbschaft- und Schenkungsteuer)
Description: Tax on wealth transfers (inheritance or gifts).
Tax Rate: Progressive, based on relationship and value:
7–30% (Tax Class I: close relatives).
15–43% (Tax Class II: distant relatives).
30–50% (Tax Class III: unrelated parties).
Exemptions: e.g., €500,000 for spouses, €400,000 for children.
10. Real Estate Transfer Tax (Grunderwerbsteuer)
Description: Tax on the purchase of land or property.
Tax Rate: Varies by state, from 3.5% (Bavaria) to 6.5% (e.g., Schleswig-Holstein).
11. Property Tax (Grundsteuer)
Description: Tax on property ownership, reformed as of 2025.
Tax Rate:
Base Rate: Type A (agriculture) 0.6%, Type B (housing/business) 0.31–0.34%.
Municipal Multiplier: Varies (200–900%).
Effective rate often 0.5–1% of assessed value (adjusted to new valuation from 2025).
12. Vehicle Tax (Kraftfahrzeugsteuer - Kfz-Steuer)
Description: Tax on vehicle ownership.
Tax Rate: Depends on engine size, CO₂ emissions, and vehicle type (e.g., €9.50 per 100 cc for gasoline cars + CO₂ component).
13. Excise Taxes (Verbrauchsteuern)
Description: Taxes on the consumption of specific goods.
Examples and Rates:
Energy Tax: e.g., 65.45 cents/l for gasoline, 47.04 cents/l for diesel.
Tobacco Tax: e.g., 9.82 cents per 20 cigarettes + 25% of sales price.
Beer Tax: €0.787 per hectoliter per degree Plato.
Coffee Tax: €2.19/kg roasted coffee, €4.78/kg instant coffee.
Alcohol Tax: e.g., €13.03 per liter of pure alcohol.
14. Entertainment Tax (Vergnügungssteuer)
Description: Municipal tax on entertainment (e.g., slot machines, events).
Tax Rate: Varies by municipality, often 10–20% of ticket price.
15. Dog Tax (Hundesteuer)
Description: Municipal tax on dog ownership.
Tax Rate: Varies, typically €50–150 per dog/year.
16. Second Home Tax (Zweitwohnungssteuer)
Description: Municipal tax on second residences.
Tax Rate: Varies, often 10–20% of annual net cold rent.
17. Air Traffic Tax (Luftverkehrsteuer)
Description: Tax on flight tickets.
Tax Rate: €13.03–58.73, depending on distance (2024 rates).
18. CO₂ Tax (National Emissions Trading)
Description: Levy on CO₂ emissions (e.g., heating, fuels).
Tax Rate: €45 per ton of CO₂ (2025, scheduled to increase).
Other Lesser-Known Taxes
Fire Protection Tax: 19% of insurance premiums.
Sparkling Wine Tax: €1.36 per liter.
Lottery Tax: 20% of stakes.
Beverage Tax: On certain drinks, varies by municipality.
That's a difficult issue. We could discuss this here on nostr to dig deeper
#Trump re-activates the bull with a bullshit #shitcoin tweet. I find myself still on the same planet, ruled by bullshit narratives and shitty story telling. I think I will return to my bullshit media shitposting job if this is the level of shit talk we're confronted with....
Stack Sats....
#bitcoin #nostr
Basically, this should be understood to mean that the German taxpayer has the highest credit rating in Europe and therefore Germany can go with a relatively increasing level of debt in order to virtually draw level with France. In addition, Germany has raised tax rates five times in the past year
While the EU leaders gather in Paris for an emergency meeting, there are once again mass protests in Romania against the annulment of the last election. At the same time, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, Fico, announces that he will not allow any more funding for the war in Ukraine. The resistance in Eastern Europe against the globalists of the West is growing faster.
#eu #Ukraine #Russia #wef #uk #nostr
In short: Schacht introduced the so called 'Rentenmark', backed by land and industrial assets. In 1924, it was replaced by the Reichsmark again, which Schacht further stabilized through monetary reforms, including pegging it to the gold standard and implementing strict fiscal policies.
Until the last Ukrainian...
the meeting of the deranged and communists-always a highlight