For each blank select one entry from the corresponding column of choices. Fill all blanks in the way that best completes the text.

The Roman Empire’s military and political _______ was often challenged by the smaller but ambitious Persians, who for centuries fought wars intended to usurp Rome’s dominion.

a. Heterodoxy 

b. Methodology 

c. Hegemony 

d. Impotence 

e. Timorousness