The Minoan civilization flourished on the island of Crete around 2000 B. C. The discovery on Crete of large numbers of bronze implements and the furnaces used in their manufacture shows that the Minoans had a thriving bronze industry. Moreover, many bronze artifacts from this period that are similar in style to those produced on Crete have been found in southern Greece. Hence it is probable that, besides making bronzeware for domestic use, the Minoans exported bronzeware to southern Greece. Which of the following, if true, most strengthens the argument given?
A. Copper and tin, the main ingredients of bronze, were present in Southern Greece.
B. No furnaces dating from the Minoan era and suitable for the manufacture of bronze implements have been found in southern Greece.
C. The Minoans exported a great deal of pottery, which was highly valued by other ancient civilizations.
D. The fuel needed for Minoan bronzeware furnaces was provided by a variety of local species of hardwood.
E. Some of the pieces of bronzeware found on Crete were non-Minoan in origin.