The Songhai Empire people inhabited West Africa as a kingdom around 200AD at that period already knew how to smelt iron to make a variety of tools for warfare and help cultivate the land.
known in Ancient time as Western Sudan (bilād as-sūdān) meaning land of blacks
known in Ancient time as Western Sudan (bilād as-sūdān) meaning land of blacks
Smelting result in an improvement in agriculture and higher yields from the land, leading to prosperity for all and an expanded population. Towns grew larger in size and broad rivers linked up people in these newly built towns through the use of canoe travels. Its capital was Gao
During this same time, kingdoms sprang up around this region. One of the earlier kingdoms that rose up during this period was ancient Ghana located in the far west.
Songhai economy was based on iron and gold mining, and supported by agriculture.
Songhai economy was based on iron and gold mining, and supported by agriculture.
By 300 AD, it has been ruled by no less than 40 kings, a testament to its robust political system that allowed for transition of power without conflict or rancor.
The gold's and iron were then traded with Berber societies north of the Sahara.
The gold's and iron were then traded with Berber societies north of the Sahara.
It was during this same time (1230-1300) that the Mali kingdom of the Mande people steadily rose in prominence.
Its ascendancy brought the two kingdoms at loggerheads, leading to a conflict in which the Ghana kingdom was defeated and taken over by the Mali kingdom.
Its ascendancy brought the two kingdoms at loggerheads, leading to a conflict in which the Ghana kingdom was defeated and taken over by the Mali kingdom.
The Mali kingdom then established its influence across the region due to the surrounding savannah terrain.
The Mali kingdom collapsed in the 16th century after quarrels over who should succeed the throne, plus rebellion from the Fulani people in Senegambia and the Songhai people.
The Mali kingdom collapsed in the 16th century after quarrels over who should succeed the throne, plus rebellion from the Fulani people in Senegambia and the Songhai people.
In the end, Songhai became independent of Mali, rivaling it as the leading powerhouse in the West African region.
Farm tools were crafted out of iron making agricultural cultivation much easier and efficient
Farm tools were crafted out of iron making agricultural cultivation much easier and efficient
Songhai Empire Army during Sonni Ali reorganized the army, equipping it with fleets on the Niger River, with a commander known as the ‘Master of the Water’. Infantrymen captured the best men from conquered territories and enlisted them into the army, swelling its ranks.
The soldiers were well armed with spears, arrows, bows, and leather or copper shields. The full strength of the army was around 30,000 infantrymen and another 10,000 men on horseback, defense system was considered one of the largest and well-organized forces in west Sudan
Songhai kingdom happened to be the last major empire within the regions. Its fall, however, did not indicate an end to kingdoms in West Africa. On the contrary, kingdoms such as Guinea, Benin, and Ashanti in present-day Ghana, as well as Dahomey in the north of Benin, survived.
