the yearly produce of grain for ancient Rome

A form of taxation that was paid not by money, but in the form of grain. This was used to help supply the legions with basic rations"; case "Annona militaris

(Latin). A policy of the Roman Empire (27 B.C.476 A.D.), whereby the government distributed free of charge the most important foodsgrain, wine and oilto the poor city people. This policy encouraged people to flock to the cities where living was cheap and eventually necessitated heavy imports of grain.

type genus of the Annonaceae; tropical American trees or shrubs