W. Marc Gilfillan, CPA, NC, individual and business CPA and Tax expert, shares about the history of taxes…
The isle of Rhodes: a seminal connection to Rome and Greece. All shipped goods from the east stopped for restocking or to transfer cargo at Rhodes. The harbor at Rhodes, like all other harbors, had a tax on all transaction, which was two percent. Rhodes prospered and was fabulously wealthy in the banking and commerce industries especially. The wealthy heads of Rhodes funded the creation of a 100-foot-tall bronze statue of Apollo near the entrance to the port. It was deemed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world (whether it actually straddled the harbor entrance is unknown). If you are feeling the pressure with today’s taxes, call a Raleigh NC Accountant for all your tax-related needs!
Rhodes flourished until 225 BC. An earthquake caused the statue to topple and not much more is known of Rhodes following the disaster. Did the earthquake wipe them out? Destroy the harbor? Well, here’s the remainder of the tale. 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 wished Rhodes to take their side and contribute to the war effort. So, after the war, the Romans chose their move. They established 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 created, trade declined eighty-five percent in Rhodes. Rhodes was finished. Go here if you want help with modern-day Tax Preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll in Raleigh NC.
Did the earthquake do it? The answer is no, Rhodes had since rebuilt after the earthquake (however, they did not replace the colossus). What brought Rhodes down was no earthquake or natural disaster or war or famine. It was Roman tax policy. Everything to dodge a two percent tax. The Switzerland of the ancient world, the commerce giant of the east was brought down because people wanted 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/
