A History of Taxes, Chapter Four: Taxation and The Island of Rhodes
W. Marc Gilfillan, CPA, NC, individual and business CPA and Tax expert, shares about the history of taxes…
The isle of Rhodes: a linkage to Rome and Greece. Any shipping from the east halted for restocking or to switch cargo at Rhodes. The harbor at the city, similar to every other harbor, had a tax on everything, which was two percent. Rhodes prospered and was fabulously wealthy in the banking and commerce industry specifically. The wealthy men funded the creation of a 100-foot-tall bronze statue of Apollo at the entrance to the port. It named as one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world (whether it truly straddled the harbor entrance remains a mystery). If you’re feeling the pressure with today’s taxes, call a Raleigh NC Accountant for all your tax-related needs!
Rhodes was fine until 225 BC. An earthquake caused the colossus to fall and not very much is heard from Rhodes after that. Did the earthquake wipe out the trade? Destroy the harbor? Well, here’s the remainder of the story. The Roman Senate was angered at Rhodes because during the late Rome-Macedonia War, Rhodes had declared neutrality. After relying so much on Rome for so many years, Rome expected more. They wanted Rhodes to take their side and help with the war effort. So, after the war, the Romans made their move. They created a tax-free harbor on the nearby Isle of Delos. There wasn’t a 2% harbor tax! In the first year since the port was established, trade declined eighty-five percent in Rhodes. Rhodes was in ruin. Go here if you want help with modern-day Tax Preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll in Cary NC.
Did the earthquake do it? The answer is no, Rhodes had actually rebuilt after the earthquake (however, they did not rebuild the colossus). What brought Rhodes down was no earthquake or natural disaster or war or famine. It was Roman taxation practices. Everything to avoid a 2% tax. The Switzerland of the ancient world, the commercial giant of the east was brought down because people desired to avoid a two percent tax.
Keep an eye out for W. Marc Gilfillan’s next chapter in his History of Taxes series: Roman Taxes.
http://www.marccpa.com/
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