Nubia has prospered as trade with Rome has expanded. The kingdom has grown in power and wealth. By now, however, its economy is probably in decline. Its international trade based on the Red Sea routes are losing out to the rising power of Aksum. At home, deforestation (due in part to the iron industry) is reducing soil fertility and undermining settled agriculture; semi-nomadic cattle herders are becoming more populous and spreading over a wider area. Also, the growing shortage of trees is affecting the iron industry.
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