History of the Byzantine Empire

In 498, the new copper coins were issued and were instantly popular. They came in clearly marked denominations and were tied to the gold coinage. The most popular and largest of these coins was the Folas. It could buy roughly a pound loaf of bread and stayed in use for centuries. Soon after they were issued, the state stopped supplying its soldiers with arms, clothes, and rations. Instead, the troops were paid a larger allowance and encouraged to buy their equipment from the state. This increased allowance meant many frontier soldiers weren't so dependent on other means of making money, including extortion. A new administrator was also created to help collect taxes and combat the possibility of embezzlement