The ancient ruins were so _____ that archeologists spent years simply trying to piece together fragments of their original design, a task compounded by centuries of erosion and neglect.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

The phrase 'piece together fragments' and 'centuries of erosion and neglect' indicates the ruins were broken and scattered. 'Fragmented' means broken into pieces, and 'disparate' means distinct or not able to be compared, fitting the idea of scattered, non-cohesive parts.