Which ancient civilization first used branded merchandise with maker's marks as a product innovation strategy to distinguish quality and origin?

The ancient world wasn't just about monuments and wars—it was home to sophisticated product development and retail systems. From Mesopotamian clay tablets recording inventory to Roman branded pottery, ancient civilizations pioneered many concepts we consider modern. This trivia question explores how ancient merchants created brand recognition in an era before modern marketing, highlighting the innovative product development strategies that have echoed through millennia of commerce.

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Ancient Romans, who stamped pottery and bricks with manufacturer seals to indicate workshop origin and quality standards
Ancient Greeks, who used potter signatures and distinctive decorative styles on amphora and vessels to create brand recognition
Ancient Egyptians, who marked papyrus products with royal cartouches to denote official production and authenticity
Mesopotamians, who used cylinder seals on clay containers to identify merchant houses and product contents