Final answer:
The three main West African empires emerged due to their location in the middle of trade routes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main reason why the three main West African empires emerged was that they were located in the middle of the trade routes. These empires, namely the Ghana Empire, Mali Empire, and Songhai Empire, prospered due to their strategic location. The trade routes passing through West Africa allowed for the exchange of valuable goods, such as salt, gold, and slaves. This economic activity helped these empires gain power and wealth, contributing to their emergence and influence in the region.
Learn more about West African empires