Final answer:
Kerma's prosperity was due to its advantageous geographic location for agriculture and animal husbandry, its control and enhancement of regional trade, its production of high-quality ceramics, and later, its strategic access to and use of iron ore.
Step-by-step explanation:
The city of Kerma, part of the ancient Nubian state, became prosperous due to several factors. Its location south of the Nile's third cataract provided a lush floodplain ideal for agriculture and the pasturage of animals, supporting economic productivity. Over time, the city's wealth grew due to its role in regional trade, its distinctive and high-quality ceramics production, and its later access to resources like iron ore, which played a key part in its economy and defense.
Furthermore, Kerma took advantage of its strategic distance from Egypt, which protected it from northern invasions. The Egyptians, during their expansion, fortified the region through trade and control from their Viceroy of Kush based in Kerma, further contributing to the city's wealth. The later civilization of Meroe, successor to Kerma, capitalized on its proximity to the Red Sea, becoming an essential trading hub for commodities like iron, wood, elephants, and ivory—and the wealth from this trade enriched the area even more.