Besides its role as a major trade route, what strategic military significance did the 'Way of the Sea' (Via Maris) hold in ancient biblical times?

A It was primarily used for transporting precious metals and spices from Arabia. B It served as a critical coastal route connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia, making it a frequent battleground for empires. C It was mainly a pilgrimage route for those traveling to Jerusalem. D It functioned as a network of underground tunnels used for espionage.