The Nubian civilization had an advanced culture along the Nile River in what is now Sudan. They developed agriculture and domesticated animals as early as 5000 BC. Their capital at Kerma became a major urban center by 1500 BC. Though Egypt conquered Nubia and influenced their culture, the Kushite kingdom emerged as a powerful regional force after Egyptian rule declined. The Nubians achieved many technological innovations, built pyramids and tombs, and some Nubian queens and kings even conquered Egypt for a time. They spoke various Nubian languages and had a strong government and cultural interactions with Egypt despite the difficult desert climate of their homeland.