Question

Select the topic sentence.
1In the late seventeenth century, a Turkish garrison was using the Parthenon for an ammunition storehouse. 2During an attack by the Venetians, a bomb ignited the gunpowder, blowing up the center section. 3Since then, the building has been a glorious ruin. 4Were it not for this relatively recent incident, the Parthenon would be standing intact today.

Answer 1

4, Were it not for this relatively recent incident, the Parthenon would be standing intact today.

Answer 2

Answer:

Were it not for this relatively recent incident, the Parthenon would be standing intact today.

Explanation:

This is the topic sentence because it has the key information. This key information is developed in the other sentences from the paragraph. The fact the Parthenon does not stand intact today and the recent cause for this damage are the most important data. The Parthenon is a glorious ruin . It is  a ruin , but glorious, because two incidents -  one very  old and one more recent- damaged it.