West African Kingdoms: songhai Chapter 6 West African Kingdoms: songhai

Learning Target 7.13 I can analyze the growth of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai kingdoms including trading centers such as Timbuktu and Jenne, which would later develop into centers of culture and learning.

How DID SONGHAI BEGIN? The state of Songhai broke away from Mali after King Mansa Musa died. In 1464, Sunni Ali became the ruler of Songhai and seized control of Timbuktu. He also took control of the Niger River and used it to expand the territory. He also took control of the salt mines.

Reasons songhai grew Growth of Songhai Conquered Timbuktu Controlled Niger River Seized salt mines Controlled gold and salt trade

Songhai’s Government Songhai’s government was similar to those of Ghana and Mali. Muhammad Ture was Songhai’s king at the height of its power. He divided Songhai into provinces. The provinces were run by a governor, a tax collector, a court of judges, and a trade inspector. A navy and soldiers on horseback kept peace and security in the empire.