Affluent Romans?

[Despry]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #877 "Naples, Italy", question 2

The city of Naples was established by Greek colonists in the 7th century B.C. It was originally known as Palaepolis and was later named Neopolis, meaning "new city." By 326 B.C., it was under Roman leadership and became a favorite resort for ......... Romans.

(a) indigent
(b) affluent
(c) distitute
(d) desperate

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #877 "Naples, Italy", answer 2

The city of Naples was established by Greek colonists in the 7th century B.C. It was originally known as Palaepolis and was later named Neopolis, meaning "new city." By 326 B.C., it was under Roman leadership and became a favorite resort for affluent Romans.

Correct answer: (b) affluent

Your answer was: incorrect
The city of Naples was established by Greek colonists in the 7th century B.C. It was originally known as Palaepolis and was later named Neopolis, meaning "new city." By 326 B.C., it was under Roman leadership and became a favorite resort for desperate Romans.
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The sentence says '..under Roman leadership..' doesn't it make Romans DESPERATE?

[Beeesneees]

I don't follow your thinking. They were in charge in the city. Why would that make them desperate?
'Affluent' means well-off or rich. The rich Romans were the ones who could afford to go there - they were affluent.
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"Inside every old person is a young person wondering what happened."
Terry Pratchett