Medieval European trade routes connected distant regions through networks of merchant activity that flourished from the 11th through 14th centuries....
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Medieval European trade routes connected distant regions through networks of merchant activity that flourished from the 11th through 14th centuries. Analysis of coin distributions found in archaeological sites across these routes shows that Byzantine gold coins appear consistently in Northern European excavations between 1150 and 1300, but are notably absent both before and after this period. Historical records confirm that Byzantine-Northern European trade agreements were most active during the 12th and 13th centuries. Thus, researchers concluded that _____
Which choice most logically completes the text?
Byzantine gold coins were more valuable in Northern Europe than in other regions during medieval times.
Northern European merchants primarily used silver rather than gold currency before 1150.
the presence of Byzantine coins in Northern European sites reflects periods of active trade relationships between these regions.
Byzantine traders likely established permanent settlements in Northern European trading centers.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Medieval European trade routes connected distant regions through networks of merchant activity that flourished from the 11th through 14th centuries." |
|
| "Analysis of coin distributions found in archaeological sites across these routes shows that Byzantine gold coins appear consistently in Northern European excavations between 1150 and 1300, but are notably absent both before and after this period." |
|
| "Historical records confirm that Byzantine-Northern European trade agreements were most active during the 12th and 13th centuries." |
|
Part B: Core Elements
Main Point: Archaeological and historical evidence shows a clear correlation between Byzantine coin presence in Northern Europe and periods of active trade relationships.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes the medieval trade context, then presents archaeological evidence showing Byzantine coins appear only during a specific period (1150-1300) in Northern European sites. Historical records confirm this same period had the most active trade agreements, setting up a conclusion about what this pattern reveals.
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
- Archaeological and historical evidence shows a clear correlation between Byzantine coin presence in Northern Europe and periods of active trade relationships
- The passage establishes the medieval trade context, then presents archaeological evidence showing Byzantine coins appear only during a specific period (1150-1300) in Northern European sites
- Historical records confirm this same period had the most active trade agreements, setting up a conclusion about what this pattern reveals
Byzantine gold coins were more valuable in Northern Europe than in other regions during medieval times.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Byzantine coins were more valuable in Northern Europe than elsewhere
- The passage gives no information about comparative value across regions
- The evidence is about presence/absence over time, not relative value
Northern European merchants primarily used silver rather than gold currency before 1150.
✗ Incorrect
- Makes a claim about what Northern Europeans used before 1150
- The passage only discusses Byzantine coin presence/absence, not what currency was used instead
the presence of Byzantine coins in Northern European sites reflects periods of active trade relationships between these regions.
✓ Correct
- States that coin presence reflects periods of active trade relationships
- This directly connects the archaeological evidence (coins present 1150-1300) with the historical evidence (active trade during 12th-13th centuries)
- The correlation between coin presence and trade activity periods supports exactly this conclusion
Byzantine traders likely established permanent settlements in Northern European trading centers.
✗ Incorrect
- Claims Byzantine traders established permanent settlements
- The passage discusses trade agreements and coin movement, not settlement patterns