Question

Read the following paragraph and answer the question below.

Few could have predicted that Ravenna, Italy, which began as a small Roman country town, Isolated amidst
swamps and marshes and far from the sea, would become in its prime larger and more splendid than Rome
itself. In its early days, Ravenna saw Caesar crossing the nearby Rubicon on his way to founding the world's
greatest empire. In maturity, Ravenna was the center of a three-way struggle between Rome, Constantinople,
and the northern Gothic kingdoms for portions of the empire. In her declining years, Ravenna witnessed
Charlemagne entering as a conqueror, Giotto painting murals, and Dante writing the Divine Comedy.
Select the inference suggested by the facts of this paragraph.
Ravenna, Italy, has become a less important cultural and political center than it was in the past.
Ravenna, Italy, is a cultural and political center.
Ravenna's swampy location led to its decline.

Answer 1

answer:

Ravenna, Italy, has become a less important cultural and political center than it was in the past

reason:

judging by the end of the paragraph, it does not sound like Ravenna is as much of a cultural and political center than it has been in the past. Also, while it’s swampy location may very well have led to its decline in popularity, the paragraph does not directly state that it was the sole reason for Ravenna’s downfall.