Question

Read the excerpt from the decree inscribed on the Rosetta Stone, which appears in The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone, by James Cross Giblin.
and whereas he has directed that impressment for the navy shall no longer be employed; and whereas he provided that cavalry and infantry forces and ships should be sent out against those who invaded Egypt by sea and by land, laying out great sums in money and grain in order that the temples and all those who are in the land might be in safety; in return for which things the gods have given him health, victory, and power, and all other good things, and he and his children shall retain the kingship for all time.

How do the details in the excerpt support the central idea that Ptolemy was a great king?

A. They provide specific examples of Ptolemy’s greatness.

B. They make a comparison of Ptolemy to other rulers.

C. They create an image of Ptolemy as having great physical strength.

D. They show a pattern of Ptolemy invading other countries by sea and by land.

Answer 1

Answer:A

Explanation:

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Answer 2

The details in the excerpt support the central idea that Ptolemy was a great king in that they provide specific examples of Ptolemy’s greatness (A).

Through a rhetorical device called enumeration, the text lists the reasons why Ptolemy is viewed as a great king. We are told that:

• he stopped conscription into the navy, which means forcing people to enroll ("impressment for the navy shall no longer be employed");
• he prevented invasions of the kingdom by marine or ground routes ("cavalry and infantry forces and ships should be sent out against those who invaded Egypt by sea and by land");
• he invested in the protection of the nation ("laying out great sums ... in order that the temples and all those who are in the land might be in safety").

The last sentence indicates that these feats have earned him the favor of the gods, who ensure that he remains a mighty king ("the gods have given him health, victory, and power").