The Songhai Empire
By Emma H, Melanie J, Emma K, Damon T, and
Estrella M
Dates of Empire
The Songhai
Empire existed
from 1340 AD-1591
AD
A Tomb In Songhai
Location
● Stretched
from north
west Nigeria
to west
Niger
The Songhai Empire
Important People
Sunni Ali- a celebrated
magician said to have had
great power. He mixed an
observance of Islam with
traditional African religion. He
sided with the people instead
of siding with the elite ruling
class of the Songhai Empire.
Additionally, he was a
respected military leader.
Sunni Ali
Important People
Muhammad Toure/Askia- ruled in
the late 15th and 16th centuries.
He was a descendent of the
Soninke people (one of the oldest
clans in West Africa). Once he
became ruler, the Songhai Empire
expanded rapidly, covering about
1.4million sq.k. He also introduced
policies that increased trade with
Europe and Asia. Muhammad
Toure died 1538, at the age of 96.
Muhammad Askia
Important Events
●
●
●
●
●
●
800 AD- Creation of Gao
1000 AD- Gao becomes
capitol
1010 AD- Empire converts to
Islam
1340 AD- Songhai Empire
becomes free
1468 AD- Capture of
Timbuktu
1590 AD- Morocco takes
control of Songhai
Ancient Gao, Capital Of The Songhai
Empire
Cultural Achievements
❖ Became a thriving cultural
and commercial center.
❖ Arab, Italian and Jewish
merchants all gathered for
trade in Songhai.
❖ Songhai became the most
powerful Western African
empire of its time.
Songhai Empire
Sources Used
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/features/storyofafrica/4chapter4.shtml
http://sahistory.org.za/topic/songhai-african-empire-15-16th-century
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/554424/Songhai-empire
http://www.blackpast.org/gah/songhai-empire-ca-1375-1591
http://africanhistory.about.com/od/kingdoms/a/Bio-Sonni-Ali.htm
http://empires.findthedata.org/q/188/2515/How-long-did-the-Songhai-Empire-exist
http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/timeline-of-songhai
http://cfsafricanhistory.wikispaces.com/Songhai
http://www.alkaye.com/gao1.htm
http://wysinger.homestead.com/askia.jpg
www.blackpast.org/gah/toure-muhammad-c-1442-1538
Shillington, Kevin. History of Africa.