Final answer:
Conquest influenced Nubia by necessitating periods of adaptation to Egyptian and later Roman control, leading to the assimilation of cultural practices. The region also demonstrated its power, ruling over Egypt and developing its unique cultural identity and successful trade relationships despite environmental and external military challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The conquests and invasions that Nubia experienced had profound effects on its development. Initially, Nubia was a rich and powerful kingdom due to trade, particularly in gold and ivory, with Egypt and beyond. However, it wasn't just the facilitation of trade that influenced Nubia; the region was periodically invaded by the Egyptians who sought to control these trade routes, and later by the Romans and eventually suffered from environmental changes like the encroachment of the Saharan desert.
The strength and influence of Nubia can be inferred by the fact that there was once a Pharaonic dynasty run by Nubians. During the New Kingdom, Egyptian influence over Nubia increased, which saw the assimilation of Egyptian cultural practices in Nubia, such as the adoption of hieroglyphs, architecture, and art. Conversely, Nubia managed to assert its influence when it grew strong enough, eventually ruling over Egypt during the 25th Dynasty.
Post the New Kingdom's decline, Nubia regained its independence, and during this period, the region saw a blend of continued Egyptian styles with distinctive Nubian flare, creating a unique cultural identity. This is evidenced by the development of their own script and styles in architecture and religious practice. Christianity played a significant role in Nubia after the area was converted and later, the construction of monumental walls, irrigation systems, and the recruitment of religious figures, such as bishops, demonstrated a level of complex societal organization and continuity.