The archaeological team meticulously sifted through the ancient ruins, hoping to uncover artifacts that would _____ the long-held beliefs about the settlement's original inhabitants.

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

The team hopes artifacts will support or prove their beliefs. 'Substantiate' means to provide evidence to support or prove the truth of. 'Confound' (puzzle), 'preclude' (prevent), and 'obfuscate' (make unclear) do not fit the context.