Building projectLocationConstruction periodPrimary structural influenceCathedral of AniArmenia1001 CEByzantine domes and Armenian stoneworkHagia Sophi...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
| Building project | Location | Construction period | Primary structural influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral of Ani | Armenia | 1001 CE | Byzantine domes and Armenian stonework |
| Hagia Sophia restoration | Constantinople | 1346-1355 CE | Original Byzantine engineering |
| Saint Basil's Cathedral | Moscow | 1555-1561 CE | Byzantine domes and Russian timber traditions |
| Saint Mark's Basilica renovation | Venice | 1063-1094 CE | Byzantine mosaics and Western Romanesque |
Medieval architectural projects across Eastern Europe and beyond frequently drew inspiration from Byzantine construction techniques, particularly the engineering of massive domed structures. These projects often required master craftsmen to travel great distances, bringing specialized knowledge of dome construction and decorative arts to new regions. The spread of Byzantine architectural influence created a network of related building traditions spanning centuries. The data suggests that this architectural diffusion was successful precisely because _______.
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
construction projects spanned several centuries, with building campaigns extending from 1001 CE through the 1500s across multiple geographic regions.
master craftsmen traveled extensively throughout the medieval period, spreading Byzantine techniques to Armenia, Russia, and Western Europe simultaneously.
each project adapted Byzantine innovations to local building traditions, as seen in the combination of Byzantine domes with Armenian stonework, Russian timber work, and Western Romanesque elements.
the original Hagia Sophia served as the architectural model for all subsequent domed construction projects throughout the Byzantine cultural sphere.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Medieval architectural projects across Eastern Europe and beyond frequently drew inspiration from Byzantine construction techniques, particularly the engineering of massive domed structures." |
|
| "These projects often required master craftsmen to travel great distances, bringing specialized knowledge of dome construction and decorative arts to new regions." |
|
| "The spread of Byzantine architectural influence created a network of related building traditions spanning centuries." |
|
| "The data suggests that this architectural diffusion was successful precisely because ______." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[OPENING CLAIM] Medieval projects drew from Byzantine techniques → [HOW IT SPREAD] Craftsmen traveled, bringing knowledge to new regions → [RESULT] Created network of building traditions over centuries → [CONCLUSION - INCOMPLETE] Data shows WHY this was successful [BLANK TO FILL]
Main Point: Medieval architectural projects successfully spread Byzantine construction techniques across regions and centuries, creating a lasting network of related building traditions.
Argument Flow: The passage moves from describing the general pattern of Byzantine influence to explaining how craftsmen spread this knowledge, then identifies the successful outcome and points to table data to explain the reason for this success.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Looking at the table data, each building project combines Byzantine elements with local traditions - Armenian stonework, Russian timber traditions, Western Romanesque elements
- The projects span different time periods and locations
- The key insight is that success came from adaptation - Byzantine techniques were modified to work with local building materials and traditions
- This flexibility would explain WHY the diffusion was successful
construction projects spanned several centuries, with building campaigns extending from 1001 CE through the 1500s across multiple geographic regions.
✗ Incorrect
- This describes the geographic and temporal scope but explains the extent of diffusion, not the reason for its success
master craftsmen traveled extensively throughout the medieval period, spreading Byzantine techniques to Armenia, Russia, and Western Europe simultaneously.
✗ Incorrect
- This describes the mechanism of how techniques spread but explains HOW diffusion happened, not WHY it was successful
each project adapted Byzantine innovations to local building traditions, as seen in the combination of Byzantine domes with Armenian stonework, Russian timber work, and Western Romanesque elements.
✓ Correct
- Directly explains the reason for success through adaptation to local conditions
- Uses specific table data showing Byzantine domes combined with various local elements
- This adaptation strategy logically explains WHY the diffusion succeeded
the original Hagia Sophia served as the architectural model for all subsequent domed construction projects throughout the Byzantine cultural sphere.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Hagia Sophia was the model for all projects, but the table shows only one project was a Hagia Sophia restoration