1.1 The rise of the Songhay Empire Flashcards
What were the reasons for the rise of the Songhay Empire?
Military developments, successes, use of cavalry, collapse of the Mali Empire, role of key figures (e.g., Sonni Ali, Askia Mohammed), capture of Timbuktu in 1468, weaknesses of and relationships with neighboring kingdoms, legal, administrative, cultural, and intellectual strengths.
What was the significance of the conquest of Timbuktu?
It was a hub of commercial exchange, allowing control over trade routes and resources, and marked a major expansion for the Songhay Empire.
Fill in the blank: The Songhay Empire’s rise was significantly influenced by the collapse of the _______ Empire.
Mali
Who was the leader of the Songhay Empire known for his military strength?
Sonni Ali Beer
What was the composition of Sonni Ali’s military?
Professional soldiers, elite cavalry, infantry, consisting of 30,000 infantry and 10,000 horsemen.
True or False: The Songhay Empire adopted firearms during Sonni Ali’s reign.
False
What role did the Hi-Koi play in the Songhay military?
Commander of the naval fleet, known as the ‘Master of the Water’.
What was the capital of the early Songhay Kingdom?
Kukya
Fill in the blank: The Songhay people merged culture with the _______ through intermarriage.
Amazigh
Who were the Sorko?
Skilled fishermen who lived along the Niger River.
What was the economic significance of the Niger Bend for the Songhay?
Rich soil suitable for agriculture and cattle-raising, facilitating trade.
What was the historical period during which the Kingdom of Songhay existed?
1350 to 1600 CE.
What was Sonni Ali’s strategy for military conquest?
He maneuvered his forces within the arc of territory enclosed by the Niger River.
Fill in the blank: The Songhay Empire expanded its territory from the Niger Valley west to _______ and east to Agades.
Senegal
Who succeeded Sonni Ali and continued the expansion of the Songhay Empire?
Askia Mohammed
What were the main trade goods in Gao during the rise of the Songhay Empire?
Gold, salt, slaves, kola nuts, leather, dates, ivory.
What was the role of tributary peoples in the expansion of Songhay power?
Incorporated into Songhay power through military campaigns.
What was the outcome of Sonni Ali’s capture of Timbuktu?
He established control over a vital trading city, leading to the expansion of the Songhay Empire.
Fill in the blank: Sonni Ali’s military campaigns were often supported by _______ from conquered peoples.
resources
What was the main criticism of Sonni Ali according to historian Saad?
Poor administrator, though a military genius.
What was the importance of the capture of Djenne in 1473?
Commanded the gold and kola routes leading southwards.
True or False: The capture of Timbuktu in 1469 was met with significant resistance.
False
What was the significance of the military music in Sonni Ali’s army?
Produced by a group of trumpeters, it played a role in military morale and coordination.
What was the geographic advantage of the Songhay Empire?
Strategically located along the Niger River with navigable waterways.
Who were the Fulani in the context of the Songhay Empire?
One of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, among the tributary peoples.
What was Djenne known for?
An important trading centre for gold, kola nuts, and ivory
Djenne was strategically located in the floodplains between the Bani and Niger Rivers.
How many attacks did Djenne traditionally withstand?
99 separate attacks by kings of Mali
This reflects the historical significance and resilience of Djenne.
What natural defenses protected Djenne?
Flooded in the wet season and swamps in the dry season, encircled by a high wall
This made it difficult for invaders to use war canoes.
How long did the siege of Djenne last according to oral histories?
More than 7 years
Written accounts suggest it lasted for four years.
What strategic action did Sonni Ali take during the siege of Djenne?
Set up a military blockade
This was because he could not breach the city walls.
What happened to the King of Djenne during the siege?
He surrendered just as Sonni Ali was about to lift the siege
Sonni Ali showed restraint and mercy.
What was Sonni Ali’s plan for capturing Walata?
To dig a 200-mile-long canal to use naval forces
He abandoned this project to confront the Mossi ruler.
Which regions did Sonni Ali secure after capturing Timbuktu and Djenne?
Food-producing regions around Lake Debo and the inland delta of the Niger
This was necessary to protect against raids.
What was the outcome of Sonni Ali’s campaigns against the Mossi?
Launched a long military campaign to subdue and annex the Mossi people from 1483 to 1486
He also captured Azawad in 1470.
What administrative structure did Sonni Ali implement?
Split Songhay into 8 regions with provincial governors
This helped consolidate his authority.
What was the central administration of Songhay run from?
Gao
It housed the imperial administrative offices and council of military leaders.
What titles did Sonni Ali introduce in his administration?
- Farmas (governors)
- Fari-Mondiyo (overseer of royal estates and taxes)
- Jenne-Mondiyo (administrator of Djenne)
- Yubu-koi (chief of the market)
- Goima-koi (harbourmaster)
- Hi-koi (chief of boats)
- Rabb al-tariq (commanders of foot soldiers)
- Baray-Koi (commander of the cavalry)
This shows the growth in administrative complexity.
What is religious syncretism as practiced by Sonni Ali?
The amalgamation of different religions, mixing Islam with traditional African beliefs
This approach had both strengths and weaknesses for his rulership.
What traditional African gods did Sonni Ali worship?
- Harke Dikko (god of the Niger)
- Dongo (thunder god)
These beliefs were central to the local religion.
What was Sonni Ali’s approach to Islam?
An unorthodox observance to respect Arab traders
He adapted Islam to local needs.
What were some achievements of Sonni Ali?
- Developed new farming methods
- Peak of Trans-Saharan trade
- Established strong central power
- Made provincial governors loyal
These achievements contributed to the strength of Songhay.
When did Sonni Ali die?
In 1492
His death highlighted the dependence of the Songhay Empire on strong leadership.
What caused the rise of the Songhay Empire?
Decline of the Mali Empire and internal rivalries
This allowed for the establishment of the Sunni dynasty.
How did Sonni Ali’s military strength manifest?
- Professional army
- Elite cavalry of 10,000
- Foot soldiers of 30,000
His military strategies were crucial in battles.
What geographical advantages did Songhay have?
- Location on the Niger River
- Pivotal for trans-Saharan trade
These factors facilitated trade and agriculture.
What was the impact of Islam on Songhay’s legal and administrative developments?
Growth in diversity of titles and respect for local traditions
Timbuktu and Djenne remained centers for Islamic learning.
