The Songhai Empire, also known as the Songhay Empire, was a state located in western Africa. From the early 15th to the late 16th century, Songhai was one of the largest African empires in history. This empire bore the same name as its leading ethnic group, the Songhai. Its capital was the city of Gao, where a small Songhai state had existed since the 11th century. Its base of power was on the bend of the Niger River in present day Niger and Burkina Faso.
The Songhay established one of the three great medieval west African empires in 1463. The first Songhay king, Sonni Ali Ber, extended the boundaries of the Song-hay state. His successor, Askia Mohammed Touré, made Songhay a great empire by extending its control throughout much of west Africa. Askia's sons were corrupt, however, and the Songhay empire was weakened during the period that they ruled. By the end of the sixteenth century, Morocco controlled the northern sectors of Songhay. In time, the southern empire splintered into independent territories that were mutually hostile. However, they remained independent until coming under French colonial authority in 1899.
It will be discussed in this website how the Songhay Empire rose to the greatest trading empire in West Africa and crumbled into pieces. It will also be seen in this website the location of the Songhay Empire and how it expanded. You will also learn about the religion, government and the social system of the Songhay Empire as well as the Songhay Empire's historical significance and its significance to the present society.
The Songhay established one of the three great medieval west African empires in 1463. The first Songhay king, Sonni Ali Ber, extended the boundaries of the Song-hay state. His successor, Askia Mohammed Touré, made Songhay a great empire by extending its control throughout much of west Africa. Askia's sons were corrupt, however, and the Songhay empire was weakened during the period that they ruled. By the end of the sixteenth century, Morocco controlled the northern sectors of Songhay. In time, the southern empire splintered into independent territories that were mutually hostile. However, they remained independent until coming under French colonial authority in 1899.
It will be discussed in this website how the Songhay Empire rose to the greatest trading empire in West Africa and crumbled into pieces. It will also be seen in this website the location of the Songhay Empire and how it expanded. You will also learn about the religion, government and the social system of the Songhay Empire as well as the Songhay Empire's historical significance and its significance to the present society.