At its height from the sixth through fourth centuries BCE Meroe could best be described as a

The kingdom of Kush that housed the city of Meroë represents one of a series of early states located within the middle Nile. It is one of the earliest and most impressive states found south of the Sahara. Looking at the specificity of the first surrounding states within the Middle Nile, Meroë's understanding in combination with the historical developments of other historical states can be improved by seeing the development of power relationship characteristics within other states of the Nile Valley.

Meroe was an important city within the ancient kingdom of Kush. According to various archaeological evidence, began to be built at the beginning of the ninth century a. C. Around the year 300 a. C. became the capital of the Kingdom of Kush and held this title until the middle of the fourth century, when it was invaded and conquered by the Kingdom of Aksum.