The Kush Kingdom's economy, in what is now north and central Sudan and northern and northeast South Sudan, was based on a mix of agriculture, cattle herding, mining, and trade. Some of the key resources and goods that powered the economy included:
1. Agriculture: The kingdom was located at the edge of the Sahara Desert, so agriculture relied primarily on irrigation systems that took water from the Nile River. This allowed the kingdom to grow a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, and chickpeas.
2. Cattle herding: Cattle were the primary form of livestock in the Kush Kingdom, and were raised primarily as a source of meat, milk, and leather. They were also used as a form of currency for trade and other transactions.
3. Mining: The Kush Kingdom was known for its deposits of gold, silver, and other valuable minerals, and mining was an important part of the economy. The gold mines of Wad Medani were particularly famous.
4. Trade: The Kush Kingdom was located at a crossroads of trade routes connecting the Nile Valley to India and the Middle East. This allowed the kingdom to engage in a diverse range of trade, including the export of gold, ivory, and slaves, and the import of luxury goods such as perfume, spices, and fine fabrics.
Overall, the Kush Kingdom's economy was based on a diverse mix of agriculture, livestock herding, mining, and trade, allowing it to thrive for many centuries in a region that could be challenging to farm due to its climate and geography.