Ancient Kingdoms of Africa - The Songhai

Ancient Kingdoms of Africa - The Songhai

1. Songhai

The Songhai Empire controlled trade in
much of western Africa during the 1400s
and 1500s.

Where?

The empire was found in what is now central Mali. It eventually extended west to
the Atlantic coast and east into what are now Niger and Nigeria. Its main town as
Timbuktu.

Economy

Songhai grew rich trading gold and salt up and down the Niger River and across the
desert lands of the Sahara. Many people worked as farmers and fishermen.

Politics and government

The Songhai Empire was ruled by an emperor. He had total power, but he also had
ministers who ran different aspects of the empire for him. They also gave the
emperor advice on important issues.

The empire was divided into five areas, each led by a governor. Under Askia
Muhammad, all the governors, judges, and town chiefs were Muslims.

Religious beliefs

Islam was the main religion found in the Songhai empire. However song rulers also
kept their own local beliefs too.

The Songhai and slavery

The slave trade became an important part of the Songhai Empire. Slaves were used
to help transport goods across the Sahara Desert to Morocco and the Middle East.
Slaves were also sold to Europeans to work in Europe and the Americas. Slaves were
usually captives of war captured during raids on nearby regions.