Kingdom of Songhai A.D. 1450 - 1600

Who were the Songhai people? They lived under the rule of the Kingdom of Mali during the 1400s. Storytellers, or griots, were responsible for the telling the history of the people for each generation. Islam was the religion of the people.

Location Niger Valley West Africa

Rise of Songhai The leading kingdom of West Africa Factor One: Trade Songhai’s leaders controlled trade routes and the sources of salt and gold Factor Two: Timbuktu Songhai’s wealth and power grew when it conquered the rich trading city of Timbuktu.

Songhai’s Great Leaders Sunni Ali Was a prisoner of war under the Kingdom of Mali. Escaped and began taking over cities such as Gao, Timbuktu and Djenne. Many believed he had magical powers and became known as ‘Sunni Ali the Great’. Askia Muhammad The Kingdom of Songhai was strongest under his rule. Began the Askia dynasty. He was responsible for taking over the majority of the salt and gold trade in Western Africa.

Songhai’s Decline In less than 100 years, Songhai began to lose its power. Reason One Internal fighting (Civil War) weakened the Kingdom. Reason Two Moroccan armies invaded and captures the major cities. Songhai fell and was divided to form smaller states.

Review How was Songhai’s rise as an empire similar to Ghana’s and Mali’s? What events led to the fall of Songhai?