Aim: Describe the Songhai Empire

Empire of Songhai 1400’s: As Mali declines, people who were under its control break away Songhai were one of those groups People to the east Songhai built up their army and extended their territory to the large bend in Niger river 2

2 Extraordinary Rulers Askia Muhammad Sunni Ali Devout Muslim Built vast empire by military conquest Ali’s rule began in 1464 Built professional army 1468: Captured the city of Timbuktu Askia Muhammad Devout Muslim Drove Sunni Ali’s son from power Proved to be an excellent administrator Set up efficient tax system Chose officials fairly 3

Weakness of Songhai Lacked modern weapons Chinese invented gunpowder 1591: Moroccan fighter force of several thousand men equipped with gunpowder & canons invaded Sonhai Moroccan troops quickly defeated Songhai warriors Songhai warriors only had swords & spears Collapse of Songhai Empire ended 1,000-year period of powerful kingdoms ruling Western Africa 4