Final answer:
The ancient Egyptians called the region south of the first cataract 'Nubia', which held the significant Kingdom of Kush. Nubia was rich in natural resources and experienced cultural influence as well as independence from Egypt. It later became a powerful kingdom with unique cultural characteristics centered at Meroe until its decline. therefore, option D is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient Egyptians referred to the region south of the first cataract, extending into sub-Saharan Africa, as Nubia. This area included the significant Kingdom of Kush, known for its unique blend of Egyptian and indigenous cultural developments. Nubia was of great importance to the ancient Egyptians, both for its strategic location along the Nile and its rich natural resources such as gold, ebony, and ivory.
The history of Kush is marked by periods of independence and times of Egyptian influence, with Egyptian control extending southward under the Middle Kingdom. However, the Kus_hites also had periods where they exerted their own influence, even ruling over Egypt during the 25th Dynasty. The strong cultural exchanges are evident in the archaeological records, highlighting religious, art, and architectural influences from Egypt mixed with local Nubian traditions.
Eventually, following conquests and the decline of Egyptian power, the Kus_hite kingdom centered at Meroe persisted for over a millennium, developing a strong economy and maintaining commercial links with the Mediterranean world. The blending of cultural practices created a distinctive identity until the kingdom's decline around 350 CE.