A historian finds documentary evidence of a Ming Dynasty law prohibiting criminals from becoming monks. How could the historian place this decree into an absolute chronology?

A. by examining layers of artifacts buried below the documents
B. by determining if the law was passed before or after the Great Ming Code
C. by using scientific tools to determine the date the documents were created
D. by looking up how long after the believed birth of Jesus the Ming Dynasty occurred

B.by determining if the law was passed before or after the Great Ming Code

Explanation:

If the idea is to place the degree into an absolute chronology, then Option B is the better answer. The Great Ming Code was created in 1373 to regulate all the aspects of Chinese life, including religion, international affairs, social relations, rituals, and economic trades. If the historian found this document, then he must analyze if this law was in the Code or not. Based on this, he can put it in the chronology.