What unique factor allowed both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states to rise and thrive as trade empires? O their geographic locations Otheir military might O the abundance of goods to trade O the lack of languages in the region

The unique factor that allowed both the Axum Empire and the Swahili city-states to rise and thrive as trade empires was their geographic locations. Both regions had access to important trade routes and waterways, making them strategic hubs for international trade. The Axum Empire, located in modern-day Ethiopia, controlled the Red Sea and had direct access to the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian Ocean trade routes. The Swahili city-states, situated along the eastern coast of Africa, benefited from their proximity to the Indian Ocean, which facilitated trade with the Middle East, India, and other parts of East Africa. Therefore, the geographic locations of both regions played a crucial role in their economic success as trade empires.