1. Rise of the Songhai:
- The Songhai Empire originated from Gao and the Songhai people, who inhabited an area in the middle Niger River region.
- Around the 11th century, the Kingdom of Gao began to expand and consolidate power in the region.
2. Sonni Ali Ber's Conquest:
- The reign of Sonni Ali Ber (1464–1492) marked a turning point in the Songhai Empire's rise.
- Sonni Ali conquered vast territories, including the Kingdom of Gao, Timbuktu, and Djenné, among others.
3. Strategic Leadership:
- Sonni Ali Ber was known for his ambitious and skilled leadership. He reorganized the military, focused on expansion, and established a centralized government.
4. Political and Administrative Structure:
- The empire was divided into provinces governed by appointed officials.
- Timbuktu became the intellectual and cultural center of the Songhai Empire, attracting scholars and traders.
5. Expansion under Askia Muhammad I:
- Askia Muhammad I, also known as Askia the Great (1493–1528), further expanded the Songhai Empire.
- He conquered areas in the north, including the Taghaza salt mines, which were economically important.
6. Trade and Economy:
- The Songhai Empire controlled important trade routes in the region, including the trans-Saharan trade.
- Timbuktu became a hub for trade and commerce, with goods such as gold, salt, and slaves.
7. Agricultural Practices:
- The empire utilized the fertile lands along the Niger River for farming, producing crops like millet, rice, and vegetables.
8. Diplomacy and Relations:
- The Songhai leaders maintained diplomatic relations with surrounding kingdoms and empires, negotiating treaties and establishing trade agreements.
9. Architecture and Urban Development:
- The Songhai Empire left a lasting architectural legacy, including mosques, palaces, and defensive structures.
- Timbuktu became a center for Islamic scholarship, with libraries containing thousands of manuscripts.
10. Decline and Fall:
- Despite its wealth and power, the Songhai Empire began to decline in the late 16th century due to internal conflicts and external threats.
- In 1591, the Songhai Empire was conquered by the Moroccan Saadi dynasty, marking the end of its dominant reign.
In summary, the Songhai Empire's rise was driven by the conquests and leadership of Sonni Ali Ber and Askia Muhammad I, the expansion of trade, the establishment of effective political structures, and the cultural significance of Timbuktu as a center of Islamic learning and commerce.