The Port of Rhodes (Of the Famed Colossus of Rhodes)

question 113

Multiple Choice

The port of Rhodes (of the famed Colossus of Rhodes) was a major trading hub during the Roman Republic, charging a small harbor tax on goods that passed through. When Rome fought Macedonia, Rhodes took a neutral stance much to Rome's chagrin. In response, Rome established a rival port on the nearby Isle of Delos and eliminated the harbor tax. Trade in Rhodes immediately fell by 85% and eventually the city-state disappeared forever. Why did Rome completely eliminate the tax instead of charging one just below what Rhodes charged?

• A) to make consumers open to a new competitor
• B) to remove a legal barrier to entry
• C) to destroy Rhodes's excellent ports
• D) to reduce the fixed cost of entry

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Definitions:

Universal Symptoms

General signs or manifestations of a condition, disease, or change in state that are common across different populations.

Cultural Symptoms

Manifestations or expressions of behaviors, beliefs, or values that are indicative of the cultural or social aspects of a group or society.

Somatisation

The conversion of psychological distress into physical symptoms, leading to medical seeking behavior without any diagnosable organic cause.

Fulford's Squeaky Wheel Principle

A concept suggesting that the most noticeable (or complaining) problems are the ones most likely to get attention and resources.