The History of Tax Law, Chapter 4: Tax Law and The Colossus of Rhodes
W. Marc Gilfillan, CPA, NC, individual and business CPA and Tax expert, shares about the history of taxes…
The city of Rhodes: a linking to Rome and Greece. All shipping from the east halted for restocking or to switch cargo at Rhodes. The harbor at Rhodes, similar to every other harbor, had a tax on everything - 2%. Rhodes prospered and flourished, in the banking and commerce industries specifically. The businessmen erected a hundred-foot-tall bronze colossus of Apollo near the entrance to the port. It was deemed as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world (whether it really straddled the harbor entrance is unknown). If you are feeling the pressure with today’s taxes, call a Cary NC CPA for all your tax-related needs!
Things were fine until 225 BC. An earthquake toppled the statue and not very much is known of 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 furious with Rhodes due to the fact that during the late Rome-Macedonia War, Rhodes had declared a neutral state. 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 chose their move. They created a tax-free harbor on the nearby Isle of Delos. There was no 2% harbor tax! In the first year since the port was created, trade declined 85% 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 actually rebuilt after the earthquake (however, they didn’t rebuild the statue). What brought Rhodes down was no earthquake or natural disaster or war or famine. It was Roman tax policy. All to dodge a two percent tax. The Switzerland of the ancient world, the commerce 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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