ANGĂRĪA

( ἀγγαρεία , Hdt. ἀγγαρήϊον ), a word borrowed from the Persians, signifying a system of posting by relays of horses, which was used among that people, and which, according to Xenophon, was established by Cyrus. The term was adopted by the Romans under the empire to signify compulsory service in forwarding the me ages of the state. The Roman angaria , also called angaria rum exhibitio or praestatio , included the maintenance and supply, not only of horses, but of ships and me engers, in forwarding both letters and burdens; it is defined as a person ale mun us ; and there was no ground of exemption from it allowed, except by the favour of the emperor.