What did Songhai take over?
The Songhai defence system was the largest organised force in the western Sudan; not only was a political instrument, but also an economic weapon by virtue of the booty it brought in. They conquered the cities of Timbuktu and Jenne. Muslim scholars at Timbuktu called Sonni Ali ‘tyrannical, cruel and impious’.
What are some important facts about Songhai?
Interesting Facts about the Songhai Empire
- Sunni Ali became a legendary hero in Songhai folklore.
- If a prisoner of war had already converted to Islam before being captured, they could not be sold as a slave.
- A West African storyteller is called a griot.
Where can I find information about the Songhai Empire?
Find sources: “Songhai Empire” – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2017) The Songhai Empire (also transliterated as Songhay) was a state that dominated the western Sahel in the 15th and 16th century. At its peak, it was one of the largest states in African history.
How did the Songhai rise to prominence?
Starting from the relatively autonomous regions in Gao, the Songhai people rose into prominence as the Mali Empire disintegrated around the 15th century CE. The fall of Mali Empire was further hastened by frequent attacks carried out by Songhai-affiliated Tuareg tribes on Mali Empire trading routes.
What happened to the Songhai tribe in Mali?
Eventually, Gao and large parts of the Songhai tribe along the Niger bend were brought under the sphere of the Mali Empire. Malian rulers such as Mansa Musa and Mansa Sulayman were swift to quench any Songhai uprising instigated by the old rulers of Gao or say the Tuareg camel riders.
What goods were traded in the Songhai Empire?
The most traded goods back then would certainly have been gold, kola nuts, dates, leather, salt and slaves. That’s right, slaves! Long before the pre-colonial Europeans and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, slave trade was not uncommon in Africa. The most famous Songhai trading hubs was in the city of Gao.