Songhai Empire
A large Sahelian empire at its peak in the 15th–16th centuries.
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The Songhai Empire was a state located in the western part of the Sahel during the 15th and 16th centuries. At its peak, it was one of the largest African empires in history. The state is known by its historiographical name, derived from its largest ethnic group and ruling elite, the Songhai people. Sonni Ali established Gao as the empire's capital, although a Songhai state had existed in and around Gao since the 11th century.
- Capital
- Gao
- Major cities
- Timbuktu, Djenné
- Region
- Western Sahel
Lore & Background
The Songhai Empire emerged from a region where early inhabitants included the Sorko people, who settled on the Niger River and built boats from the cailcedrat tree, and the Gao people, who hunted river animals. The Do people farmed the fertile riverbanks. Before the 10th century, horse-riding Songhai speakers subjugated these groups, and all gradually became known as the Songhai. Gao grew into an important trading center by the second half of the 13th century, attracting the Mali Empire, which conquered Gao near the end of that century. Gao remained under Malian command until the late 14th century, when the Songhai reasserted control as Mali disintegrated.
Reader's Guide
Under Sonni Ali, the Songhai surpassed the Malian Empire in area, wealth, and power, absorbing vast regions. His son Sonni Bāru was overthrown by Muhammad Ture (Askia the Great), who instituted political and economic reforms. A series of plots and coups by Askia's successors forced the empire into decline and instability, particularly under Askia Ishaq I. A period of stability and military successes occurred under Askia Daoud. After Daoud's death, Askia Ishaq II ascended amid dynastic struggle. The Songhai Empire's significance lies in its size and wealth, its control of key trade routes and cities, and its role as a successor to the Mali Empire in the Sahel.
Did You Know?
- The Songhai state had existed in and around Gao since the 11th century, long before Sonni Ali established it as the empire's capital.
- The Songhai surpassed the Malian Empire in area, wealth, and power under Sonni Ali.
- Muhammad Ture, known as Askia the Great, overthrew Sonni Bāru and instituted political and economic reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Songhai Empire?
The Songhai Empire was a West African state that flourished during the 15th and 16th centuries, named after the Songhai ethnic group that formed its ruling class. It grew to become one of the largest empires ever seen on the African continent.
Where was the Songhai Empire located and what was its capital?
The empire occupied the western portion of the Sahel region in West Africa, with Gao serving as its capital city. Timbuktu and Djenné functioned as other major urban centers within its borders.
Who established the Songhai Empire?
Sonni Ali is credited with founding the Songhai Empire and designating Gao as its capital. A Songhai political entity had already existed in and around Gao since roughly the 11th century, but Sonni Ali consolidated it into a full imperial state.
How large was the Songhai Empire at its peak?
During its height in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Songhai Empire stretched across a vast stretch of the western Sahel. Historians generally regard it as one of the largest states in the history of Africa.
Why is the Songhai Empire historically significant?
The Songhai Empire is notable for its enormous territorial reach and its role as a major center of trade and learning in West Africa. Cities like Timbuktu and Djenné became renowned hubs of commerce and scholarship under Songhai rule.
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