Which ancient civilization implemented the first documented 'loyalty program' for merchants, offering special tokens to returning customers that could be exchanged for discounts on future purchases?

Before modern retail loyalty cards and points systems, ancient civilizations developed sophisticated methods to encourage repeat business and reward loyal customers. These early 'loyalty programs' helped merchants establish consistent trade relationships and build economic stability in early marketplaces. Test your knowledge about these fascinating early customer retention strategies that laid the groundwork for today's complex loyalty systems.

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Ancient Phoenicians, who gave regular trade partners marked clay tablets entitling them to preferential access to rare goods
Ancient Egyptians, who provided papyrus scrolls recording purchases that could be redeemed for grain discounts during festival seasons
Ancient Romans, who distributed metal tessera tokens to patrician families that guaranteed priority service from affiliated merchants
Ancient Chinese merchants of the Han Dynasty, who issued bamboo tallies recording purchase history for preferred customer status