From the tenth century through the early twelfth century, an island port city existed at the intersection of two maritime powers: Empire X and Empire Y. Historical records indicate that at different points the city might have shifted allegiance between these empires, but the exact periods of political control remain uncertain. Although the citys architecture and pottery styles from the eleventh century predominantly resemble those of Empire Y, recent archaeological findings include numerous nautical instruments and navigational charts that were characteristically used by Empire Xs merchants. Historians are thus unsure whether the city was under Empire Xs political domain during that time or whether it remained part of Empire Y, having merely incorporated Empire Xs maritime tools through robust trade or cultural exchange.
Which of the following discoveries, if found in eleventh-century layers at the port city, would best help determine whether it was politically under the control of Empire X or Empire Y during that period?
A) Diplomatic correspondence addressed to local governors, written in the official script of Empire Xs royal chancery, commanding the enforcement of tax laws specific to Empire Xs legal code.
B) A cache of ceramics adorned with motifs traditionally associated with Empire Ys religious ceremonies, fashioned from locally sourced clay.
C) Copper coins minted in Empire Xs style but frequently found in distant trade hubs, suggesting a common maritime currency.
D) Structural reinforcements in the citys harbor identical to those used in many ports of Empire Y, introduced several decades earlier due to widespread engineering manuals.
E) Sealed amphorae containing spices known to have been imported from Empire Xs inland regions, found in other neutral trading outposts as well.
Which of the following discoveries, if found in eleventh-century layers at the port city, would best help determine whether it was politically under the control of Empire X or Empire Y during that period?
A) Diplomatic correspondence addressed to local governors, written in the official script of Empire Xs royal chancery, commanding the enforcement of tax laws specific to Empire Xs legal code.
B) A cache of ceramics adorned with motifs traditionally associated with Empire Ys religious ceremonies, fashioned from locally sourced clay.
C) Copper coins minted in Empire Xs style but frequently found in distant trade hubs, suggesting a common maritime currency.
D) Structural reinforcements in the citys harbor identical to those used in many ports of Empire Y, introduced several decades earlier due to widespread engineering manuals.
E) Sealed amphorae containing spices known to have been imported from Empire Xs inland regions, found in other neutral trading outposts as well.