Final answer:
Meroë benefited from being distanced from Egypt, having rich iron ore deposits, and being a critical trade hub due to its position near the Red Sea. Decline ensued when wood supplies dwindled, causing environmental damage that the once fertile lands could no longer sustain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meroë was a good place for the Kush kingdom to be centered because it had several strategic and economic advantages. First, the location of Meroë was far enough south of Egypt, providing a buffer against northern conquests. Secondly, the land around Meroë was rich in iron ore, which was greatly valued for producing high-quality tools and weapons. Additionally, Meroë's proximity to the Red Sea made it a vital trading center. Goods such as iron, wood, elephants, and ivory were traded with regions as far as Persia, Egypt, and Rome, which brought great wealth to the kingdom.
However, when wood supplies became scarce due to overharvesting for charcoal manufacture, environmental degradation followed. Trees were cut down faster than they could regrow, leading to soil erosion and reduced fertility. Consequently, the land could not support the large population that once thrived in Meroë, contributing to the kingdom's decline.