1. Aim: Describe the Songhai Empire

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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