Tribute

A procession of high-ranking Assyrian officials followed by tribute bearers from Urartu. From Khorsabad, Iraq. Iraq Museum

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Apadana Persepolis Iran

The Tribute Money George Hayter 1817

Tribute refers to a payment made periodically by one state or ruler to another, especially as a sign of dependence or submission. Historically, tributes have been a common practice in various cultures and civilizations, serving as a tool for diplomacy, a means of preventing conflicts, or a mechanism to establish and maintain economic and political relationships. The concept of tribute is closely related to the notions of tribute system, vassal state, and suzerainty, where the payment of tribute is often a key feature of the relationship between the suzerain and the vassal.

History

The practice of paying tribute dates back to ancient times, with well-documented instances in the histories of the Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Chinese, and Roman civilizations, among others. In Ancient China, the tribute system was an integral part of foreign relations, serving not only as a means of economic gain but also as a tool for establishing China's superiority and central position in the world order. Similarly, the Aztec Empire and the Inca Empire in the Americas demanded tributes from conquered peoples in the form of goods, labor, or both.

Types of Tribute

Tribute can take various forms, including but not limited to monetary payments, goods (such as precious metals, textiles, or foodstuffs), and services (such as military assistance or labor). The specific form and amount of tribute were often determined by the agreement between the suzerain and the vassal, and could vary significantly depending on the wealth, resources, and bargaining power of the parties involved.

Significance

The payment of tribute had significant economic, social, and political implications for both the payer and the recipient. For the payer, it was often a burden that required the allocation of substantial resources, but it could also serve as a means of securing peace and protection from more powerful states or rulers. For the recipient, tributes were a source of wealth and a symbol of power and dominance over other states.

Decline

The practice of paying tribute has largely declined with the emergence of the modern nation-state system and the principles of sovereignty and equality among states. However, the concept of tribute can still be seen in modern international relations in the form of aid, grants, and loans, which, while not exact replicas of the traditional tribute system, share some underlying principles of economic assistance and political allegiance.

See Also

• Feudalism
• Colonialism
• Imperialism
• Protection racket