What is the Songhai Empire known for?

The Songhai Empire is known for being the largest state in West Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Songhai were great traders with their capital at Gao and trans-Saharan trade centres like Timbuktu and Djenne.

What are 3 facts about the Songhai Empire?

3 Facts about the Songhai Empire are: It was the largest state in West Africa. King Sunni Ali was its first ruler. The Songhai grew rich after monopolising trans-Saharan trade.

What caused the Songhai Empire to fall?

The Songhai Empire fell around 1591 when it was weakened by civil wars and attacked by the growing Moroccan Empire.

Who is the founder of the Songhai Empire?

The founder of the Songhai Empire was King Sunni Ali (aka Sonni Ali Ber) who reigned from 1464 to 1492.

Songhai Empire Timeline

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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

c. 1460 - c. 1591
The Songhai Empire dominates the West African savannah.
1464 - 1492
King Sunni Ali rules the Songhai Empire in West African
1468
King Sunni Ali of the Songhai Empire conquers most of the Mali Empire.
1469
King Sunni Ali of the Songhai Empire takes control of Timbuktu.
1473
King Sunni Ali of the Songhai Empire takes control of Djenne on the Niger River.
1494 - 1528
King Mohammad I rules the Songhai Empire in West Africa.
1549 - 1582
Askiya Dawud rules the Songhai Empire in West Africa
1590 - 1591
The Moroccan Empire attacks and conquers the Songhai Empire in West Africa.

Songhai Empire

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Timeline