What is another name for the Songhai Empire?
See Article History. Alternative Titles: Gao empire, Songhay empire. Songhai empire, also spelled Songhay, great trading state of West Africa (fl. 15th–16th century), centred on the middle reaches of the Niger River in what is now central Mali and eventually extending west to the Atlantic coast and east into Niger and Nigeria.
How did the Songhai rise to prominence?
Starting from the relatively autonomous regions in Gao, the Songhai people rose into prominence as the Mali Empire disintegrated around the 15th century CE. The fall of Mali Empire was further hastened by frequent attacks carried out by Songhai-affiliated Tuareg tribes on Mali Empire trading routes.
Where is Songhay located in Africa?
Songhai empire, also spelled Songhay, great trading state of West Africa (fl. 15th–16th century), centred on the middle reaches of the Niger River in what is now central Mali and eventually extending west to the Atlantic coast and east into Niger and Nigeria.
What was the difference between the Mande and Songhai?
…over a non-Mande people, the Songhai, who monopolized the fishing and canoe transport of the middle Niger. The Songhai had an independent monarchical tradition of their own, and Mande control of their capital, Gao, proved somewhat fitful.
How did the Songhai rise to power?
The Rise of an Empire The Songhai Empire was built upon the ashes of the great Mali Empire when it disintegrated in the early 1400s. The Songhai state which was ruled by the Sonni Dynasty rose several years before the fall of the Mali Empire, but it emerged as a strong independent force when the empire finally crumbled.
What language do the Songhai speak?
The Songhai speak a Nilo-Saharan language, unlike most of their neighbors. The Songhai originate from Sorko fishermen, who were expert boatsmen. This expertise would serve the military of the empire well, as battalions of war canoes would maintain order and inflict destruction on enemies along the Niger.
What happened to the Songhai Empire after Askia Dawud?
Fall of the Songhai Empire. He died a natural death and was succeeded by Askia Dawud in 1549. The Songhai Empire experienced a renaissance during Askia Dawud’s reign. He subdued the Fula, Mossi, Borgu, and Gurma peoples. He also led a successful campaign in Mali and subdued the Arab tribesmen who lived near the empire.