Which ancient civilization pioneered retail expansion through a standardized franchise model of shops with consistent branding, pricing, and merchandise across their empire?

The ancient world wasn't just about conquests and monuments—it was also home to sophisticated retail operations that would impress even modern business analysts. From the bustling Agoras of Greece to the complex trading networks of Phoenicia, ancient civilizations developed remarkable retail success stories. This trivia question explores how one particular ancient civilization revolutionized retail expansion through innovative methods that influenced commerce for centuries to follow.

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Roman Empire (with their 'tabernae' shops that maintained identical layouts and offerings across provinces)
Ancient Egypt (with state-controlled 'per-aa' royal outlets that sold standardized goods)
Phoenicians (with their 'makhzan' trading posts that operated under unified merchant guild regulations)
Mesopotamia (with temple-administered 'bitum suqi' marketplaces that franchised to local merchants)