Most respected and peaceful of all emperors, although in your most happy and prosperous reign all other persons enjoy an untroub
led and calm existence . . . we are unreasonably oppressed and are suffering extortion [blackmail] from those whose responsibility it is to protect the public welfare. Although we live far away from the capital, and do not have the protection of our own military, generals and soldiers and prominent noblemen and officials of the city come to us, leaving the highway and take us away from our work. They requisition our oxen so we cannot plow the fields, they take taxes that are not their due. Background information: This petition was sent to the emperor from a group of villagers in Phyrigia, in modern-day Turkey, in 246 CE. Why are these villagers writing to the emperor? Select all that apply. to let the emperor know they no longer want military protection to complain that local officials are unfairly taxing them to let the emperor know that soldiers are stealing their farm animals to praise their local government for their untroubled lives
