Answer:
C. to persuade readers that a conquering prince must destroy a former republic if he hopes to hold it.
Explanation:
'The Prince' is a book written by political theorist Niccolo Machiavelli. In this book, Machiavelli outlines guidance for young princes on how to acquire a state and how to rule. He claims that if a prince need to use immoral means to acquire a state, he sould do it, and it will not be perceived as wrong.
In the given passage, from Chapter 5, the author is elucidating upon this same matter. He does so by giving a comparison between Spartan and Romans way of holding newly acquired state. By showing contrast between the two, he is asserting that the prince should destroy a former republic to hold the newly acquired state.
Therefore, option C is correct.
