Army Takes Farmers' Food

The Roman army has begun to tax local farmers to feed its soldiers.

Soldiers have always taken food from farmers but now a new tax, the annona militaris, has been set up to make sure every farmer gives his share of grain.

The farmer can't use the grain until the army takes its share of it.

The recent introduction (approx 44 AD) of a new tax on Britannia's farmers, called the annona militaris, means that every farmer will have to give the Roman army a share of his grain so that it can feed its troops.

However some farmers believe that the Roman habit of living together in towns could make it easier for them to sell their produce and grow wealthier, making them better off despite the tax.

Romans have also brought many of their favourite food and garden plants from home. Trees including walnuts, damsons, sweet chestnuts, figs, cherries and cultivated apples have all come from Rome and they grow well in this country.

Cooking is more exciting, as onions, garlic, carrots, leeks, celery, asparagus and herbs like parsley, mint, coriander and thyme have been grown too. Some Romans have planted grapes and made wine.

Exotic foods are now on to the menu. If the Romans can't grow it in Britannia, then they import it. Pepper, ginger and cinnamon, olives, dates and almonds, pine nuts and olive oil are all brought in. There is even a very strong sauce called liquamen made from boiled fish innards.

As the Romans influence spreads it is likely that many people will begin to adopt these eating habits.

Some Britannic produce is famous beyond this country. Oysters from Cogidunum (Colchester) are famous as far away as Rome.