SSAT Upper Level Reading Quiz
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INFERENCE AND IMPLICIT MEANING
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PASSAGE
The ancient city of Pompeii offers a unique window into Roman life, preserved by the volcanic ash that buried it in 79 AD. While the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed the city, it also created an archaeological treasure trove. The ash that fell on Pompeii was fine and hot, instantly suffocating residents but also sealing buildings, artifacts, and even organic materials in a protective layer. Unlike other ancient sites where wood, fabric, and food have long since decomposed, Pompeii contains remarkably preserved examples of daily Roman life. Archaeologists have discovered intact loaves of bread still sitting in ovens, colorful frescoes adorning villa walls, and detailed graffiti revealing the thoughts and concerns of ordinary citizens. However, this preservation came at a terrible human cost. The very ash that protected these artifacts also created haunting plaster casts of victims, captured in their final moments. Modern excavation techniques allow researchers to study not just the grand public buildings that dominate most Roman sites, but also the intimate details of private homes, shops, and workshops. This comprehensive view challenges many previous assumptions about Roman society, revealing a more diverse and complex civilization than scholars had previously understood.
Based on the passage, which conclusion about archaeological preservation is most strongly supported?
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