Which ancient civilization pioneered the use of merchant seals as 'brand logos' that guaranteed product authenticity, with merchants facing severe penalties including death for counterfeiting these marks?

Before modern advertising and global brands, ancient civilizations had their own distinct methods of product recognition and merchant reputation management. Traders and artisans developed unique symbols, seals, and quality markers that functioned similarly to today's brand logos and slogans. This trivia explores how ancient merchants distinguished their goods in bustling marketplaces from Rome to Mesopotamia, and how consumers identified quality products worth their copper, silver, or trade goods.

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Ancient Rome, where merchant collegia (guilds) registered distinct marks with the Senate
Mesopotamia, where cylinder seals marked goods with unique impressions that represented specific merchants
Ancient Egypt, where cartouche-style markings indicated royal approval of merchant goods
Classical Greece, where amphorae were stamped with polis-specific symbols guaranteeing origin and quality