Final answer:
The wealth and power of medieval kingdoms in southern Africa are evidenced by architectural ruins, advanced infrastructure, and written records detailing economic prosperity, highlighting their pivotal role in trade and cultural exchanges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evidence of the wealth and power of the medieval kingdoms in southern Africa is prevalent through various forms such as architectural ruins, advanced infrastructure, and written records which detail their economic prosperity. These kingdoms, such as Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe, were significant for their control over trade routes and commodities like gold, ivory, and salt. Their importance extends beyond economics, as they connected local and regional African economies to a vast network of trade encompassing Europe, Asia, and Arabia, influencing cultures thousands of miles away.
The presence of architectural marvels, like the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, serves as tangible evidence of an advanced society capable of intricate constructions and therefore indicating a sophisticated and powerful culture. Moreover, written accounts from traders and other civilizations confirm the extensive trade networks and the resultant prosperity. Lastly, the control and exploitation of trade, encompassing local and regional commerce to transcontinental trade, underscore the significance of these kingdoms in medieval times.