Anna Dolganov

In this engaging discussion, Roman historian Anna Dolganov from the Austrian Academy of Sciences reveals intriguing insights from a recently translated scroll detailing ancient tax evasion tactics. She uncovers a sophisticated scheme involving forgery and manipulation of slave ownership aimed at dodging taxes in Roman provinces. The conversation highlights the parallels between historical and modern evasion methods and the severe punishments faced by tax evaders in that era. Dolganov also shares the ongoing research ambitions that could shed more light on this fascinating topic.

Anna Dolganoff, a Roman historian from the Austrian Academy of Sciences specializing in ancient legal documents, joins journalist Caleb Harshberger for a riveting discussion on a rediscovered Roman papyrus detailing a tax-fraud case. They explore the intricacies of a cross-border tax evasion scheme involving enslaved individuals, the harsh realities of Roman court practices, and the severe penalties faced by the accused. Anna highlights how this ancient case sheds light on the long-standing issues of tax fraud, revealing that it’s a problem as old as civilization itself.