The capital of meroe was important because of it’s copper production.

Meroe was an ancient city which was located on the bank of the river Nile. It was the capital of the kingdom of Kush. The city of Meroe was spread over one square mile of fertile land and during its height, it was the center of Iron smelting, trade and agriculture.. There are more than 200 pyramids at the site of the city of Meroe.  Their size and proportions are similar to the Nubian pyramids.

north east because it has more forest