Final answer:
Before 1500 CE/AD, early African societies were characterized by heterogeneous cultures, trading networks, and extensive maritime exploration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before 1500 CE/AD, early African societies exhibited diverse characteristics. They were not characterized by centralized governments, uniform cultures, or advanced technology, as mentioned in option A. Instead, African societies had agricultural economies, polytheistic religions, and strong centralized leadership, as described in option B.
Moreover, African societies were known for their heterogeneous cultures, trading networks, and extensive maritime exploration, which aligns with option C. Thus, option C, 'Heterogeneous cultures, trading networks, and extensive maritime exploration,' provides the most accurate description of the diverse characteristics of early African societies before 1500 CE/AD.