Songhai Empire Rshonda Smith Songhai Background The Songhai

Songhai Empire R’shonda Smith

Songhai Background • The Songhai empire (Songhai) is in western Africa • One of the largest Islamic empires in history. • Ruled from mid 15 -end of 16 th century. • Capital city is Gao , has been conquered by Mali empire until 15 th century when it reclaimed it as a capital.

Songhai’s greatest leader • Songhai’s most important leader during the Songhai empire was Sonni Ali. ) (1464 -1493) • Sonni Ali conquered many of Songhai’s neighboring states and quickly established himself as the empires most formidable military strategist. • Brought great wealth to the Songhai empire. • Often regarded as a powerful politician and fearless conquer that united a great empire starting a legacy that exist to date.

Songhai’s legacy • The lasting legacy that was left from the Songhai empire was the fact that Songhai successfully gained its independence back from Mali in 1340. • Noted as the largest empire Africa has seen still to this date. • Songhai made Gao their capital and began imperial expansion of their own through western Sahel. • By 1420, Songhai was already a strong enough empire

accomplishments • Songhai gained back their independence from Mali. • Conquered many of the lands around Songhai • Had the biggest salt and gold trade routes • Amazing architecture