An Italian map labeled “Mappamundi” (“Map of the world”) is undated, but, based on its contents, was probably drawn sometime in the years 1488 to 1493. The map accurately depicts the western coast of Africa down to the Cape of Good Hope, which European explorers first reached in 1488, but it shows none of the islands of the West Indies visited by Columbus on his first voyage, from which he returned to Europe in early 1493.
Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument?
A. European ships of the period required nearly a year to make the voyage to the Cape of Good Hope and back.
B. Columbus published a widely read account of his first voyage immediately after his return.
C. European authorities who sponsored expeditions often tried to keep information gained by those expeditions secret for as long as possible.
D. A map as complicated as the map in question would have taken a cartographer of the 1400s several months to finish.
E. During his first voyage, Columbus was able to sail from the West Indies back to Europe in less than three months.
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