Kingdom of Songhai
(1009 – 1600)
King Kossi
► Converted
to Islam in 1009 AD and
established the Dia Dynasty.
► Many historians consider this the official
start date for the Songhai Empire
► After converting to Islam, Kossi’s kingdom
benefited from increased Muslim control of
the Saharan trade routes.
Sunni Ali
During the reign of Sunni Ali most of what
had been the Ghana and Mali Empires were
taken by the Songhai Empire.
► Sunni Ali captured Timbuktu and along with
its great University of Sankore.
► Sunni Ali also captured the great city of
Jenne, and married the Queen of Jenne,
Dara.
Muhammad Ture
► Usurped
control of Songhai after Sunni Ali’s
death, beginning the Askia Dynasty in 1493.
► His
ruling style was similar to Mansa Musa.
► Songhai
was at the height of the Empire
during his reign.
Decline of Songhai
► After
Muhammad Ture’s reign, Songhai
began it’s slow decline.
► At
the end of the 16th century, Songhai was
invaded by the Sultan of Morocco.
► By
1600 Songhai was in pieces.