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Difficulty: MediumCommand of Evidence: Textual

In a study of ancient Roman concrete structures, architectural historian Dr. Marcus Vance examined the composition of marine concrete used in various harbors constructed between 100 BCE and 100 CE. Many engineers have argued that Roman builders deliberately selected volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius for its chemical properties, which react with seawater to increase structural durability over time. Vance, however, contends that the use of volcanic ash was not a deliberate engineering strategy for longevity, but rather a reflection of local resource availability, with builders using volcanic materials simply because they were the most accessible aggregates near major construction sites.

Which choice, if true, would most directly support Vance's contention?

  1. A
    Chemical analysis of Roman concrete reveals that the specific volcanic ash used in harbor construction was highly uniform in composition, suggesting it was sourced from a single, primary quarry.
  2. B
    Engineers have demonstrated that Roman concrete prepared without volcanic ash has a significantly lower structural strength and degrades much faster when exposed to seawater.
  3. An analysis of Roman concrete harbors built during this period indicates that volcanic ash was used only in structures within fifty miles of a volcanic quarry, while structures further away used local, non-volcanic materials.Answer
  4. D
    Historical records indicate that the Roman government established strict regulations requiring all marine harbors throughout the empire to use volcanic materials in their concrete.

Answer

The choice stating that volcanic ash was used only in structures within fifty miles of a volcanic quarry, while structures further away used local, non-volcanic materials.
The correct option supports the contention by showing a clear correlation between the presence of volcanic ash in concrete structures and those structures' proximity to volcanic sources. If volcanic ash was only utilized near quarries while distant structures relied on local alternatives, it demonstrates that material selection was guided by geographic convenience rather than an overarching engineering requirement for durability.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the author's central contention or claim in the passage.
The contention is that the use of volcanic ash in Roman concrete was driven by local resource availability (proximity to quarries) rather than a deliberate, empire-wide engineering strategy to ensure longevity.
To support this claim, we must look for evidence that shows a link between the use of volcanic ash and geographic proximity to its source, or a lack of its use when far from the source.
2
Evaluate the options to find evidence of local resource constraint.
The option stating that volcanic ash was used only within fifty miles of a volcanic quarry directly shows that geographic proximity dictated its use.
If volcanic ash was only used near volcanic sources and local non-volcanic aggregates were used elsewhere, it proves that builders did not systematically transport volcanic ash to distant harbors for its superior properties, supporting the convenience and availability hypothesis.

Key Concept

Identifying textual evidence that supports a specific argument or hypothesis.
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Command of Evidence: Textual

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