The Mali and Songhai Empires Ch 5: Lesson 3 EQ: How did the Mali Empire Rise and what role did the Songhai Empire contribute to its destruction?

Mali’s Rise… Located in the southern part of Ghana. Founded by Malinke people Led by Chief Sundiata. He expanded gold and salt trade routes. Developed city of Timbuktu.

Timbuktu Center for culture and trade. Center for Islamic scholarship. Scholars taught history, theology and law in Timbuktu. Arabic used as academic language . Attracted the best poets and artists in Africa and S.W. Asia. Famous mosque in Timbuktu Sonkore, built by an architect who returned with King Mansa Musa after his pilgrimage .

Mansa Musa the King Took over as King in 1324, loved by the Mali people. As a devoted Muslim, he went on his pilgrimage and took: 12,ooo slaves, 80 camels, and over 300 pounds of gold. Some slaves wore silk and carried a gold staff. His caravan even enriched parts of Europe, and is said to have helped financially support European Renaissance. When he returned from his pilgrimage he **brought back an architect and scholar from Egypt. The architect designed the Sonkore mosque in Timbuktu.

Mali’s Decline Mansa Musa died. Empire was weakened. Songhai people gained strength, eventually declared independence from Mali. Berbers from North seized much of land including Timbuktu, which they controlled. Songhai overthrew Berbers under Sunni Ali and recaptured Timbuktu. Songhai Empire expanded Songhai falls to Morocco

Rise of Songhai Empire Songhai people declared independence from Mali. Sunni Ali became King. Very powerful ruler. King Sunni Ali overthrew Berbers out of Timbuktu and took control for the Songhai people. More lands were conquered and trade expanded. Sunni Ali died 1492.

Internal Conflict Sunni Ali’s son took over power. His son was easily overpowered by Askia Muhammad. Askia did NOT approve of his way of practicing Islam. Askia took control of all gold and salt trade and expanded the borders. Askia Muhammad was known for being a well organized ruler who set up provinces to better organize the empire.

Songhai Empire Falls 26 YEARS later…Askia son removed him from the throne because he got too old and became blind. The rulers after Askia were weak. During 1580’s the army of Morocco raided the salt mines. 1591 Morocco captured Timbuktu. Songhai empire collapsed.

Summary…. How did the Mali empire rise to power? What role did Songhai play in the decline of the Mali Empire? What happened to the Songhai empire? (com complete sentences please…