It was very important for controlling the Mississippi River because it had easier trade since it led off to the gulf of Mexico which was an excellent trading spot, and well the north needed it to make trade easier to obtain
This is true.
They are the ones who actually introduced chariots and compound bows to ancient warfare and because of this they managed to completely dominate the region. They weren't just warmongers however since they also cared about their culture and created completely new musical instruments and similar things.
Answer:
cypress wood, wine, currants, olive oil, wool, cloth, herbs, and purple dye.
