Question

Which of the following was a key in the growth of the empire of Meroe?

It controlled Lake Albert, a rich source of salt, which was a valuable trade item in Africa.

It was located in the rainforest, a perfect climate for growing crops, including coffee beans.

It was the highest producer of raffia cloth, a very expensive and limited resource at that time.

It expanded trade to include Greek, Roman, Arab, and Indian merchants.

Answer 1

The correct answer is It expanded trade to include Greek, Roman, Arab, and Indian merchants.

Meroe's founders were Cousites, or Ethiopians. Mural paintings and sculptures clearly show their African characteristics. Egyptian culture left its mark on Méroe, but near the end of the second millennium BCE, Ethiopia broke free from Egypt's control.

In the latter part of the eighth century BCE, Ethiopia really conquered Egypt and dominated it for about 60 years. So, while many imagine that Egypt was the only empire to emerge from Africa, this is not true. One of the Ethiopian rulers during the eighth century BCE, King Tiraca, is even mentioned in the Bible.