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The Songhai Empire

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The Story of Africa| BBC World Service. Ancient Africa for Kids: Songhai Empire. History >> Ancient AfricaWhere was the Songhai Empire located? The Songhai Empire was located in Western Africa south of the Sahara Desert and along the Niger River. At its peak, it stretched well over 1,000 miles from the current modern day country of Niger to the Atlantic Ocean. The capital city of the Songhai was the city of Gao which was located in modern-day Mali on the banks of the Niger River.

When did the Songhai Empire rule? The Songhai Empire lasted from 1464 to 1591. How did the Empire first begin? The Songhai Empire first came into power under the leadership of Sunni Ali. Askia Muhammad In 1493, Askia Muhammad became the leader of the Songhai. Government The Songhai Empire was divided into five provinces each led by a governor. The Songhai Culture The Songhai culture became a blend of traditional West African beliefs and the religion of Islam.

Slaves The slave trade became an important part of the Songhai Empire. Fall of the Songhai Empire Interesting Facts about the Songhai Empire. Songhai | World Civilization. Learning Objective Explain the importance of Timbuktu after locating the Songhai Empire Key Points The Songhai Empire was a state that dominated the western Sahel in the 15th and 16th centuries.

At its peak, it was one of the largest states in African history. Terms Timbuktu A historical and still-inhabited city in the West African nation of Mali, situated 20 km (12 mi) north of the River Niger on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. Sahel The ecoclimatic and biogeographic zone of transition in Africa between the Sahara to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south. Sonni dynasty A dynasty of rulers of the Songhai Empire of medieval West Africa. Gao A city in Mali located on the River Niger that for much of its history was an important commercial center involved in the trans-Saharan trade. The Songhai Empire (also transliterated as Songhay) was a state that dominated the western Sahel in the 15th and 16th centuries. Sonni Ali reigned from 1464 to 1492. Songhai Empire in 1500. Songhai e16. Songhai, African Empire, 15-16th Century.

Overview, West Africa and the rise of the Songhai Empire West Africa is home to many of Africa's oldest kingdoms. These kingdoms played an important role in the development of trade and economic growth of the region. As old kingdoms came to be replaced by new smaller ones many changes were experienced. The transformations were influenced by conquest and warfare along with patterns of trade. West African societies were shaped by competition for wealth and the search for independence from more powerful kingdoms. The earliest African civilizations south of the Sahara desert were in West Africa. At the same time kingdoms were developing in this region.

Quarrels over who should succeed the throne and rebellion by the Fulani people in Senegambia and the Songhai people in Gao led to the collapse of the Mali kingdom in the 16th century. Culture, Religion and Monarchy The Songhai had settled on both banks of the middle Niger River. The Songhai kingdom was the last major one in the region. Kingdoms.