Final answer:
Egypt's aggression toward Nubia in the Middle and New Kingdom periods was driven by desires to control rich resources and trade routes, and to secure their borders against raids. The Egyptian military was able to overcome the strong Nubian forces, establishing dominance in the region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Egypt became aggressive toward Nubia during the Middle and New Kingdom periods due to strategic and economic interests. The kings of Egypt aimed to extend their power beyond Egypt, partly to control Nubia's rich resources, such as gold, ivory, and trade routes, but also to protect against Nubian raids. The military conquests of this region helped Egypt secure wealth and exert influence. During the New Kingdom, this aggressive posture was part of a broader Egyptian belief system that saw their culture as superior, propelling them to bring divine harmony to the rest of the world by force, if necessary. The conquest of Nubia and its wealth, including establishing Egyptian-style architecture and promoting Egyptian religious practices, further cemented Egypt's dominance in the region.
Regarding the Nubian army's strength, historical excerpts suggest that while Nubia was a powerful kingdom with significant military capabilities, it was eventually subdued by Egyptian forces. Pharaoh Thutmose I's aggressive campaign against Nubia, documented by his inscriptions, indicates Egypt's military might was strong enough to overcome Nubian defenses and annex their territory. The submission of the Nubian bowmen, renowned for their skill, to slaughter at the hands of the Egyptians illustrates the effectiveness of Egypt's military campaigns.