Classicist: Researchers studying a cache of documents discovered in Tuscany found that they contain vivid descriptions of a people we believe to be the ancient Chinese. The documents describe expeditions to and diplomatic transactions with a people far to the east dating back to the first century BCE. This shows that the Romans were aware of the Chinese as early as the period of the late Republic, long before historians thought contact was established.
Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the classicist’s argument?
【选项】
Before the first century BCE, the Romans did not possess any ships that could have made the long journey to China.
选项是否正确？