Often regarded as the pinnacle of Doric architecture, the Parthenon has a resilient history. The temple was damaged by an explosion in 1687, and it was partially restored in the centuries that followed.
Which choice most effectively combines the underlined sentences?
The temple was damaged by an explosion in 1687; it was partially restored in the centuries that followed, and the Parthenon has a resilient history.
Having a resilient history, the Parthenon, often regarded as the pinnacle of Doric architecture, was partially restored after the temple was damaged by an explosion in 1687.
The Parthenon, after the temple was damaged by an explosion in 1687, was partially restored in the centuries that followed; the temple is often regarded as the pinnacle of Doric architecture.
Often regarded as the pinnacle of Doric architecture, the Parthenon has a resilient history: after being damaged by an explosion in 1687, it was partially restored in the centuries that followed.
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. It uses a colon to introduce the explanation of the "resilient history" mentioned in the first clause, linking the ideas logically and concisely.
Choice A is incorrect because it coordinates the clauses with "and" in a way that makes the "resilient history" feel like an afterthought. Choice B is incorrect because "Having a resilient history" modifies "the Parthenon," but the placement of the restoration detail makes the timeline confusing. Choice C is incorrect because the phrase "after the temple was damaged..." interrupts the subject and verb awkwardly.