Final answer:
Africa had advanced civilizations during the Middle Ages because of the spread of monotheistic religions, trade networks, and control of valuable resources
Step-by-step explanation:
Africa had several advanced civilizations during the Middle Ages due to a combination of factors, including the spread of monotheistic religions like Christianity and Islam, technological and cultural diffusion, trade networks, and the control of valuable resources. For example, the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay in West Africa controlled trade routes and amassed wealth through the trade of gold, salt, and other commodities. In southern Africa, the kingdoms of Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe connected the interior with coastal civilizations through trade, linking Africa to Asia and Arabia.