Note 229 — FIRST SECTION.
Reading edition
Lampridius. Alexander Severus, ch. 24., Lenonum vectigal et meretricum et exoletorum in sacrum aerarium inferri vetuit, sed sumptibus publicis ad instaurationem theatri, circi, amphitheatri et aerarii deputavit. (He forbad that the tax on harlots and on male debauchees should be paid into the sacred Treasury of the State, but allotted it as a public contribution towards the repair of the theatre, circus, amphitheatre and treasury). Also at Byzantium a similar duty was paid under the name of χρυσάργυρον (tribute of gold and silver), which however the Emperor Anastasius abolished, and at the same time ordered the tax-rolls to be burned. (Zonaras, Annal.—Nicephorus, Hist. eccles., bk. XVI. ch. 40.).