Songhai Empire
Task 1: Source Based Task
Study Source 1A, 1B, 1C & 1D
1.1.1 According to the source Muhammad replaced Sunni Boru as the leader of Sonahai
1.1.2 Muhammad assumed the title of Askia in order to make fun it is said, the daughters of
the fallen Sunni’s who said of him (he will not be)
1.1.3 Dynasty- A series/line of kings, emperors from the same family
1.1.4 A) Suni Ali was a fighter
B) Muhammad was a statesman
1.1.5 Muhammad began by dividing Songhai into provinces and placed each under
govenor, and led a standing army and a fleet of war canoes were organised under the
command of a general and admiral
1.1.6 The Moors and the Tuaregs were regarded as tribes of the white race
1.1.7 It can be regarded as useful because they giving insight into the ways in which
historical figures understood what they experienced,their place or significance in history.
Study Source 1B
1.2.1 He allied himself with scholars from Timbuktu, and ushered in the golden age in the
city for muslim scholarship
1.2.2 He took the daughters of his chiefs as his wives and would marry his own daughters
and nieces of to his subject chiefs, high dignitaries, governors and judges in turn
1.2.3 Askia was set on creating highly -advanced education institutions. Children despite
religion or racial make-up were encouraged to study abroad by attending muslim
universities in places like Europe and Asia,and scholars from around the world were invited
to study in Timbuktu(Songhai)
1.2.4 Anyone who threatened Askia’s power was put to death without question. He also
made no secret that he firmly supported Islam and came down harshly on any nonbeliever
who were natives to Timbuktu
Consult Source 1C
1.3.1 They accumulated wealth with the salt and gold trade, They used slaves to carry out
heavy work, they were high on education and so drew many people to Timbuktu to study
1.3.2 They accumulated wealth with the salt and gold trade
1.4 Source 1b speaks about the development under Askia with the focus on governance
and education, where as 1C explains of the growth of Songhai kindom during the reign of
Muhammad
Refer to Source 1D
1.5.1 Slaves were used to carry out heavy work, they were used as soldiers and slaves also
had to work as farmers in villages to help produce enough food to supply the growing
population.
1.5.2 Slaves was trusted not to overthrow their rulers
1.6 After being victorious over Sunni Baru he started deviding Songhai into provinces and
elected officials which was mostly brothers sons and cousin. By making family and relatives
part of government made it easier to rule. By creating advanced institutions they could
educate their people and invite foreigners to the country to study. Slavery was big in the
time as they were use to work the lands, used to carry and to do heavy work.They were also
used as soldiers. Any person showing aggression threatening Askia was killed without
question. He also had a fleet of war canoes ready to battle at any time.