Votoi

Votoi is a term that appears in historical contexts, particularly within the Byzantine Empire. It refers to a type of tax or tribute levied by the state. The exact nature and application of votoi could vary over time and depending on the specific region. In some instances, it might have been a tax on land, while in others, it could have been a payment for military protection or services.

The Byzantine economy relied on various forms of taxation to fund its administration, military, and infrastructure projects. Votoi was one of these revenue streams, contributing to the empire's fiscal stability. Records mentioning votoi often appear in administrative documents, legal texts, and historical chronicles that detail the economic life of the Byzantine state. Understanding votoi helps historians reconstruct the Byzantine fiscal system and the relationship between the state and its subjects. The term itself is Greek in origin and reflects the linguistic heritage of the empire.