Final answer:
The ancient African civilization that benefitted from the shift in the major trade route was Axum, located in present-day Ethiopia. Axum tapped into the trade route from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, which allowed it to become a major trading power and enjoy wealth and influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient African civilization that benefitted from the shifting of the major trade route from down the Nile to the Mediterranean to out the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean was Axum. Axum, located in present-day Ethiopia, positioned itself as a major trading power and benefited greatly from the new trade route. This shift allowed Axum to control trade between Africa, India, and the Mediterranean, leading to a period of great wealth and influence.
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