Final Answer:
The author conveys the sense that small, agricultural settlements eventually grew to become empires. The correct option is C because it accurately reflects the author's conveyed sense that small agricultural settlements had the potential to grow into empires, aligning with historical patterns of development observed in civilizations like the Roman Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reference to the Roman Empire in the context of small, agricultural settlements suggests a developmental trajectory from modest beginnings to expansive empires. The choice "c" aligns with the historical reality that many great empires, including the Roman Empire, evolved from smaller agricultural communities. The author implies that these settlements underwent a transformative process, developing into powerful empires over time.
By invoking the Roman Empire, the author likely aims to highlight the historical pattern of agricultural communities evolving into influential political entities. This historical perspective underscores the dynamic nature of civilizations, emphasizing the potential for growth and expansion from humble agricultural origins to grand imperial structures. The choice "c" captures this thematic emphasis on the progression from small settlements to the establishment of vast empires, providing a nuanced understanding of historical development.
In conclusion, the reference to the Roman Empire serves as a metaphorical representation of the broader historical theme of growth and expansion. The chosen answer c, encapsulates the idea that small, agricultural settlements held the potential to evolve into powerful empires, contributing to a richer understanding of the historical processes at play in the author's narrative.