What was the significance of Ghana Mali and Songhai?
Ghana, Mali, and Songhai were three of the greatest western African trading states. Beginning with Ghana as early as 300 c.e. and ending with the conquest of the Songhai by Morocco in the 16th century c.e., they dominated the trade of gold, salt, and merchandise between North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Where did the Songhai come from?
The backbone of Songhai power was the mighty Niger River. As the empires of Ghana and Mali rose and fell, the Songhai fishermen slowly expanded from a region south of the great bend of the river Niger. The Songhai founded the bustling trading city of Gao just south of this bend in the 1300s c.e.
What was the relationship between Ghana and Mali?
Nevertheless, Ghana remained strong until it was annexed by Mali, an even wealthier and larger trading empire which formed south of Ghana. The empire of Mali was founded by Sundiata, a king who not only overcame external enemies but his own physical disabilities.
What caused the decline of the Songhai Empire?
The death of Mansa Musa, considered to be Mali’s greatest leader, lead to the collapse of the empire.The Songhai Empire grew in power after Mali’s decline. Two of its prominent rulers were Askia Mohammed Toure and Sunni Ali Ber.
Is Songhai the next Great Western African Empire?
As Mali rose from the fall of Ghana, so Songhai would assert its independent power over the region, emerging as the next great Western African Empire. While Mali quickly fell apart due to rampant disunity, a new king reigned.
What was the relationship between Ghana and Mali like?
Mali swallowed up the wealth of Ghana and expanded on their practices with great success. In 1312 CE, Musa the First or Mansa (meaning King or Emperor) Musa took the throne of Mali. He had an army of over 100,000 including a cavalry of more than 10,000 men.
What led to the fall of the Songhai Empire?
The death of Mansa Musa (c. 1337 c.e.) led to a succession of kings unable to manage Mali’s enormous size. Berbers in the north threatened Timbuktu, while the Songhai people in the south began their rise as the last and most powerful of the West African empires; the Kingdom of Songhai. The backbone of Songhai’ power was the mighty Niger River.