which of the following is true about the songhai empire?
The Songhai Empire was one of West Africa's most powerful states, flourishing from the 15th to 16th centuries along the Niger River. It succeeded the Mali Empire through conquests led by rulers like Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, becoming renowned for its military strength, trade networks, and Islamic scholarship.
Key Facts
- Centered in Gao with vital cities like Timbuktu and Djenné as trade and learning hubs; Sunni Ali conquered Timbuktu in 1468 after a Tuareg takeover.
- Expanded massively under Sonni Ali (r. 1464–1492), who built a formidable navy and army, defeating Mossi, Dogon, and others to reach over 1.4 million square kilometers.
- Askia Muhammad (r. 1493–1528) centralized governance with bureaucracy, standardized weights/measures, canals for agriculture, and promoted Islam, boosting trans-Saharan trade in gold, salt, and slaves.
Common True Statements
Since your query asks "which of the following is true" without listing options, here are verified facts often tested in quizzes (e.g., powerful military, trade dominance):
Statement| Why True| Source
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It had a very powerful military| Sunni Ali's forces conquered key cities;
later armies used cavalry and firearms before Moroccan invasion. 2| 135
It controlled major trans-Saharan trade routes| Flourished via
Timbuktu/Djenné; Askia era included Taghaza salt mines. 35| 39
Islam shaped its administration and culture| Askia Muhammad made it the state
religion, funding mosques/universities. 13| 35
Rise and Fall Story
Imagine the Niger's bends in 1464: Fisherman-king Sunni Ali rises, blending magic and might to seize Timbuktu from raiders, forging an empire bigger than Europe at its peak. His general Askia Muhammad ousts Ali's heir in 1493, touring Mecca and enforcing justice—turning Songhai into a golden age of scholars and merchants. Yet, by 1591, Moroccan gunpowder shatters them at Tondibi, scattering the Askias amid civil strife. This tale underscores how military prowess and trade built (and briefly sustained) Africa's largest pre- colonial state.
TL;DR: Songhai thrived on conquest, Islam, and trade; top truths include its mighty army and economic control.
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