Final answer:
African civilizations such as Meroe, Funj, Axum, and Ethiopia were multifaceted societies with distinct political systems, social structures, and economies, often bolstered by trade and diplomacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
African civilizations were diverse and sophisticated with varying political structures, social systems, and economic activities. For example, the kingdom of Meroe was known for its monarchy and trade in iron and luxury goods, while the Funj state was a centralized entity with strong Islamic influences and an economy based on agriculture and trade. Axum, influenced by Christianity, also had a monarchy and traded extensively with the Mediterranean and India. Ethiopia, another realm with Coptic Christian influences, traded in gold and ivory, indicating a rich and varied economy.
Oftentimes, empires in Africa gained power through trade, as seen in the nexus of trans-Saharan trade routes and later with European traders. Diplomacy also played a significant role in empire-building, which sometimes substituted for outright warfare. All across Africa, from the river valleys to the trade routes, civilizations grew with complex societal hierarchies and rich cultural exchanges, facilitated by their unique geographic and natural resources.