rs2010 wrote:
A sudden increase in the production of elephant ivory artifacts on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa occurred in the tenth century. Historians explain this increase as the result of an area opening up as a new source of ivory and argue on this basis that the important medieval trade between North Africa and East Africa began at this period.
Each of following, if true, provides some support for the historians’ account described above EXCEPT:
In EXCEPT questions, I've improved my efficiency by looking for choices that we don't have to hunt.
Such as ,in this case, look for choices which provide support for historians' account.
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(A) In East Africa gold coins from Mediterranean North Africa have been found at a tenth-century site but at no earlier sites.
Strengthens.
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(B) The many surviving letters of pre-tenth-century North African merchants include no mention of business transactions involving East Africa.
Strengthens by eliminating another possibility.
That is , Trade may have occurred in tenth century or later.
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(C) Excavations in East Africa reveal a tenth-century change in architectural style to reflect North African patterns.
Strengthens
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(D) Documents from Mediterranean Europe and North Africa that date back earlier than the tenth century show knowledge of East African animals.
No effect
Ok. Documents show knowledge of East African animals.
Which animals? We don't know.
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(E) East African carvings in a style characteristic of the tenth century depict seagoing vessels very different from those used by local sailors but of a type common in the Mediterranean.
Strengthens.
Carvings style, resembling the characteristic of 10th century, on seagoing vessels were more of a type common in Mediterranean.