Which ancient civilization pioneered the retail strategy of 'loss leaders' by selling certain goods below cost to attract customers to their marketplaces?

In the great civilizations of antiquity, retail strategies and marketplaces were surprisingly sophisticated. From the grand bazaars of Mesopotamia to the commercial forums of Rome, ancient merchants developed innovative techniques to attract customers and maximize profits. This poll explores how ancient civilizations approached retail sales strategies that continue to influence modern commerce.

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Ancient Egyptians, who sold discounted grain near temples to attract shoppers to higher-priced religious offerings
Ancient Romans, who subsidized bread prices ('panem et circenses') to draw crowds to marketplaces where luxury goods were sold at premium prices
Phoenicians, who offered below-cost foreign spices to entice customers to purchase their primary export goods like purple dye
Ancient Chinese merchants of the Han Dynasty, who sold tea at a loss to encourage purchases of their silk and porcelain goods