Songhai Empire

and provides insight in to the influence that woman can have on a culutre and it’s history when they have the autonomy to move freely, or semi freely within a society. The Mali Empire, according to Christopher Ehret, was the second of three major empires in West Africa, which was founded in the thirteenth century. The story of it’s founding has been persevere orally throughout the centuries and has been transcribed from the mouths of Griot. In D.T. Niane’s version the success of the empire’s founder, Sundiata, could arguably be attributed to the women in his story, specifically his mother Sogolon Kedjou. Mali’s militaristic success can also be attributed to Sogolon Kedjou. The use of tributary states and large populations in neighboring regions provided the Mali Empire its military strength. It can be argued that Sogolon Kedjou contributed to Sundiata’s militaristic success and relationship with tributary states and their formation. Throughout their exile Sogolon and Sundiata inhabited multiple kingdoms, to ensure continued safety, which allowed Sundiata to build relationships and networks with neighboring kings and kingdoms. Through these connections Sundiata was able to form a considerable army that would eventually defeat the Kingdom of Sosso and contribute to the creation of the great empire of Mali. The credit of Mali’s vast network could be attributed to Sogolon because she was the reason Sundiata moved from kingdom to kingdom. Another prominent female figure in…

Askia the Great – Prosperity of the Songhai Empire Songhai Empire, located in West Africa, reached its peak under the leadership of Askia the Great, an authoritative military leader. He not only expanded the border of the empire but also encouraged education for its citizens. In addition, Askia augmented trade with foreign countries and set up regulations on measurements and customs. He also unified and controlled the nation efficiently by centralizing the government. Under his reign, Songhai…

Throughout the 13th and 16th centuries, the Mali and Songhai Empires rose to power in Western Africa, through an accomplished trading system and powerful legitimate emperors. The Mali Empire was ruled by many emperors, two of which were Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa. Sundiata and his 11 brothers were seeked to be killed by Sumanguru, ruler of the neighboring state of Kaniaga who wanted to expand his state of the land of the Mali Empire. Because of his childhood disability, Sumanguru spared his…

The empire on Ghana existed from c. 750-1076. The Ghana empire was located in what is now Southeastern Mauritania, Western Mali, and Eastern Senegal which is on the Northwest coast of Africa. The Ghana empire was one of the first empires on the Northwest coast of Africa to rise in that area. Ghana began in the eighth century when there was a little change in the economy. There was an spectacular shift in the economy of the Sahel area. The south area of the Sahara allowed more condense states to…

The Kingdom of Songhai. One of the main kingdoms was the Kingdom of Mali. Ghana was the ruling kingdom for hundreds of years but due to losing in wars it collapsed during the 1100s. Once it collapsed The Kingdom of Mali rose to power. During the middle of the 1200s Mali was established by Sundiata Keita. Sandiata won or defeated Ghana and captured its capital in 1240. He established wealth and power through the salt and gold trade. The salt and gold trade was during a lot of the 1200s. Caramel…

The rise and fall of the three great West African empires is a tale of conflict, leadership, and pure circumstance. In the savannah these civilizations flourished on trans-saharan trade, environmental benefits, and strong leadership; Islamic influences from North Africa soon thereafter provided a strong cultural influence on these states. With this foundation three empires rose up sequentially in West Africa – the empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. From this same base came the downfall of each…

The Silk Road traded many things because of all the countries it goes through. The main good is silk from China which was very rare because only China knew how to make it.They also traded pottery, paper, and gunpowder. These were all invented by China and a lot of people wanted it especially Romans. Moreover, India traded goods such as, spices. Slaves, metals and weapons, ivory, pearls, and precious gems. Then there was the Byzantine Empire Empire. This was known as the “gateway to Europe”…

principles of trade and education. The main products traded along the routes of the Timbuktu and ultimately the Songhai Empire were gold and salt. Timbuktu received praise from other countries such as Spain for their trade routes and influence on trade in the world. “Timbuktu was a market town, founded on the principles of trade and exchange” (Evidence B)Timbuktu was one of the education capitals of the early world. It was self…

It’s the year of 1352 and I’m entering the Mali Kingdom south of Ghana. As I enter the city of Timbuktu, I admire the exceptional mosques and universities surrounding me. Others, Muslim judges, doctors, religious leaders, and scholars alike share this fascination. This crucial city of this Empire came to be because of Mansa Musa. First of all, Mali’s first significant leader was Sundiata, who came to be by defeating a harsh leader. He was given title mansa, which was the equivalent of an…

Mali The 1200s in West Africa, the Ghana Empire was falling at the battle of Kirina, soon after, Sundiata, the founder of Mali, defeated Mali. Mali came to be in the place of the Ancient Ghana. This society had a social hierarchy with the king was in the highest class and they decreased until the slaves as the lowest class. The people believed many things like, priests and Diviners could communicate with spirits and gods. They also practiced ancestor worship, they thought that their ancestors…