The spelling of the word "gabel gabelle" can be a bit confusing due to its French origins. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as "ɡæbəl ɡæbɛl". The first "a" in "gabel" is pronounced as short "a" as in "cat". The "e" in "gabelle" is also pronounced as short "e" as in "bet". The double "l" affects the pronunciation of the preceding vowel, making it a bit longer. "Gabel" refers to a tax on salt, while "gabelle" refers to a tax on certain goods in France.
Gabel gabelle refers to a historical term that originated in medieval France and specifically pertains to a taxation system related to the salt trade. The term "gabel" originated from the Latin "gabella" meaning "a small tax or duty." Gabelle specifically refers to a salt tax or duty levied by the monarchy during that time.
The gabel gabelle system emerged in the 14th century and was initially introduced by King Philip VI. Under this system, the French monarchy had a monopoly over the salt trade and imposed a tax on its production and distribution. The tax was levied on individuals in various forms, such as a direct monetary payment or in exchange for other goods.
The gabel gabelle tax had significant implications for the population at large. It created a substantial burden on the lower classes, as salt was an essential and ubiquitous commodity used for preserving food, seasoning, and other purposes. The high tax rates placed a heavy financial strain on commoners, particularly those already struggling with poverty.
The gabel gabelle system remained in effect until the French Revolution in the late 18th century, when it was abolished. The abolition of the gabel gabelle tax was one of the demands of the revolutionaries who sought to dismantle the oppressive fiscal and social structures of the monarchy.
In summary, the term gabel gabelle refers to a historical taxation system in medieval France, specifically targeting the salt trade, which placed a burden on the population, especially the lower classes.
The word "gabel" has its roots in Old French, derived from the Late Latin term "gabella". "Gabella" ultimately originated from Latin "gabata", which referred to a tax or duty on goods. The term "gabelle" specifically refers to a salt tax that was imposed in France during the Middle Ages. The word's etymology can be traced back to the Arabic word "qabala", meaning "to receive" or "to take". This reflects the process of collecting the tax, as it was collected by officials named "gabelous". Over time, the term "gabel" expanded to encompass various other taxes and levies.