Civilization · c. 1464 – 1591
Songhai Empire
The last and largest of the medieval West African empires.
Capital: Gao · Sub-Saharan Africa
Overview
Under Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, Songhai controlled the Middle Niger and the Saharan trade, ran a codified administration and made Timbuktu one of the great Islamic scholarly cities of the age.
Timeline
- 1464Sunni Ali begins conquest
- 1493 – 1528Askia Muhammad reigns
- 1591Moroccan army defeats Songhai at Tondibi
Rulers
Empire-builder
Reformer and pilgrim
Wars & conflicts
- Wars with Mossi, Mali, Morocco
Architecture
Great Mosque of Djenné, Askia's tomb pyramid at Gao.
Religion
Islam institutionalized under Askia; traditional religions in villages.
Economy
Gold-salt trade, taxation of Niger river commerce.
Technology
Standing army with cavalry and river fleets; provincial administration.
Art
Timbuktu manuscript tradition, mudbrick architectural style.
Influence
Peak of West African Islamic civilization before European contact.
Decline
Moroccan invasion of 1591 shattered central authority.
Key sites
- Gao
- Timbuktu
- Djenné