2. •
•
•
•
•
In 1365, the Songhai city of Gao declared it’s
independence from Mali
1468, Muslim leaders in the city of Timbuktu
asked the Songhai king Sunni Ali to overthrow
the Berbers
Sunni Ali did as he was asked, and killed
many people who lived in the city as well
As a result Sunni Ali established a reputation
as a powerful and harsh leader
He went on to expand the empire and add
trade cities

3. •
•
•
•
When Sunni Ali died in 1492 his son was
declared the ruler of Songhai – However, a
leader named Askia Muhammad wanted the
throne
In 1493, Askia Muhammad defeated Sunni
Ali’s son and became the ruler of the Songhai
people
He took control of the salt mines in the north
and expanded Mail’s other borders- Songhai
covered more land than Mali
He increased trade with Europe and Asia

4. •
His greatest achievement was organizing the
government of Songhai
–
–
–
•
Divided Songhai into provinces
Appointed directors of finance, agriculture,
army, and navy
Set up an organized tax system
He also spread Islam
–
Sent scholars to regions that had little contact
with Islam

5. •
•
•
•
By 1519, Askia Muhammad was half blind and
very old
In 1528 his son removed him from power
The rulers that followed were very weak
which allowed the Moraccan forces to
capture the salt mines in the north and
eventually the cities of Timbuktu and Gao –
this led to the eventual collapse of the
empire
However, life went on as usual for most West
African people

6. •
•
•
•
By 1519, Askia Muhammad was half blind and
very old
In 1528 his son removed him from power
The rulers that followed were very weak
which allowed the Moraccan forces to
capture the salt mines in the north and
eventually the cities of Timbuktu and Gao –
this led to the eventual collapse of the
empire
However, life went on as usual for most West
African people