Text 1
Some archaeologists argue that the Roman dodecahedra—hollow, twelve-sided bronze objects discovered across northern Europe—served as practical astronomical instruments used to determine the optimal planting dates for winter grain. By aligning sunlight through specific pairs of opposing holes of varying diameters, farmers could track the winter solstice. Proponents of this agrarian hypothesis point to the high concentration of these artifacts in northern frontier regions, where conventional Roman calendars were rarely distributed, suggesting a utilitarian, local solution to agricultural scheduling.
Text 2
Historian Dr. Elena Rostova contends that the astronomical explanation for Roman dodecahedra overlooks a crucial feature: their lack of standardization. If these objects functioned as precise solar calendars, their orifice diameters and overall dimensions would not vary as widely as they do across archaeological findings. Instead, Rostova suggests that they were likely status symbols or ritual objects associated with local trade guilds. The high concentration in frontier zones, she argues, reflects the geographic distribution of these guilds rather than a shared agricultural practice.
Based on the passages, how would Dr. Rostova (Text 2) most likely characterize the "agrarian hypothesis" discussed in Text 1?
- AIt is a plausible explanation that is nevertheless limited by its focus on northern frontier regions rather than the empire as a whole.
- It relies on a utilitarian explanation that is incompatible with the physical variation observed among the artifacts.Cevap
- CIt is undermined by historical records showing that conventional Roman calendars were widely available in frontier zones.
- DIt incorrectly assumes that Roman trade guilds were primarily involved in agricultural scheduling.