Question: how was meroë different from a typical egyptian and kushite city

title: Meroë
text: Apart from the iron trade , pottery was a widespread and prominent industry in the Meroe kingdom . The production of fine and elaborated decorated wares was a strong tradition within the middle nile . Such productions carried considerable social significance and are believed to be involved in mortuary rites . The long history of goods imported into the Meroitic empire and their subsequent distribution provides insight into the social and political workings of the Meroitic state . The major determinant of production was attributed to the availability of labor rather than the political power associated with land . Power was associated with control of people rather than control of territory .