What is the term for a tax collector in ancient Rome?

The term for a tax collector in ancient Rome is "publicanus." This designation specifically refers to individuals or contractors who collected taxes on behalf of the Roman government. They were often associated with public contracts that allowed them to gather taxes, tolls, or other forms of revenue. The publicani played a significant role in the financial administration of the empire, particularly in the provinces, where they were often tasked with managing tax collection from local populations.

The other terms have different meanings: a "caupo" refers to an innkeeper or tavern owner, "praetor" is a title given to a senior magistrate with judicial authority, and "novus homo" describes a man who is the first in his family to enter the Roman Senate or hold public office, emphasizing social status rather than taxation roles. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the specific responsibilities and roles within Roman society, reinforcing why "publicanus" is the correct term for a tax collector.