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Makale Özeti:
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The only account, giving us information about the advantages and
disadvantages of Byzantion's geographic situation, takes place in Polybius' work,"The Rise of the Roman Empire", written in 2.nd century B.C. Modern scholars use
this account in their works containing the subjects of the extent and aspects of trade
between the Aegean and the Black Sea World in antiquity as well as its benefits for
Byzantion's imports and exports. On account of Byzantion's geographic situation as
emphasised in this account, we, on the other hand, shall discuss the reasons for the
imposition of transit tithe on Black Sea trade; its consequences and comparison with
the present day developments.
It is seen that from time to time a transit tax was temporarily imposed in
Byzantion on the merchant ships trading with the Black Sea through the Straits
between 500 and 200 B.C. This sort of a policy was carried on at times when
Byzantion state was weak and as a result of military pressures of stronger foreign
states. Despite the opposition of neighbouring states, Byzantion state itself was
compelled to impose this transit tax for the first time due to the economic difficulties
occurred towards the end of 3.rd century BC. However, a war broke out because of
this.
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