In the field of archaeology, it has long been accepted that the ancient civilization of Xanadu was characterized by a highly centralized political system, with power concentrated in the hands of a single ruler. However, recent excavations at several sites across the Xanadu region have uncovered evidence of diverse architectural styles and distinct administrative systems, suggesting that there may have been multiple power centers in Xanadu.
Paradox: This raises a paradox: if Xanadu had a centralized political system, why is there evidence suggesting multiple power centers?
Which of the following, if true, would most help to resolve the apparent paradox?
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(A) The architectural styles and administrative systems discovered at the different sites are all consistent with what is known about other civilizations with centralized political systems.
The statement does not resolve the paradox.
Incorrec
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(B)
The population of Xanadu was highly mobile and often moved from one power center to another as conditions changed.[/quote]
If the population of Xanadu was highly mobile and often moved from one power center to another as conditions changed, why is there evidence suggesting multiple power centers? The paradox is not resolved since power centers don't move as population moves.
Incorrect
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(C) The diverse architectural styles found at the different sites were all developed during roughly the same time period.
Irrelevant. The statement does not resolves the paradox.
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(D) The rulers of Xanadu periodically relocated their capital to different regions in order to maintain control over their vast territory.
If Xanadu had a centralized political system, why is there evidence suggesting multiple power centers
Since the rulers of Xanadu periodically relocated their capital to different regions in order to maintain control over their vast territory. Therefore, Xanadu had a centralized political system, but there is evidence suggesting multiple power centers.
Correct
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(E) The excavated sites are located in areas that were known for their abundant natural resources and strategic importance.
Irrelevant. The statement does not resolves the paradox.
IMO D