The Songhai Empire (aka Songhay, c. 1460 - c. 1591) covered what is today southern Mauritania and Mali. It replaced the Mali Empire (1240-1645) as the most important state in West Africa. Originating as a smaller kingdom along the eastern bend of the Niger River c. 1000, the Songhai expanded their territory dramatically from the reign of King Sunni Ali (1464-1492).
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Timeline
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c. 1460 - c. 1591The Songhai Empire dominates the West African savannah.
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1464 - 1492King Sunni Ali rules the Songhai Empire in West African
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1468King Sunni Ali of the Songhai Empire conquers most of the Mali Empire.
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1469King Sunni Ali of the Songhai Empire takes control of Timbuktu.
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1473King Sunni Ali of the Songhai Empire takes control of Djenne on the Niger River.
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1494 - 1528King Mohammad I rules the Songhai Empire in West Africa.
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1549 - 1582Askiya Dawud rules the Songhai Empire in West Africa
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1590 - 1591The Moroccan Empire attacks and conquers the Songhai Empire in West Africa.
