Songhai Empire
At a glance:
- Series: Magill’s Guide to Military History
- Categories: Government and Politics, Royalty, Rulers, Nobility, Military History, Civilizations, Cultures
- Subcategories: African Americans, Blacks, Empires, Dynasties
- Curriculum: African History
- Geographical Location: Sudan
- Date: 1468-1591
Article abstract: Military significance: Used amphibious tactics to spread empire into Mali, enhancing the important trade and intellectual center of Tombouctou.
The Songhai tribe seems to have gotten started along the eastern banks of the Niger River about 670 c.e., where it established the two main population centers of Gao and Koukia. The leading family was of Berber extraction, and its line ruled Songhai into the 1300’s. In 1005, King Kossi converted to Islam; it was about this time also that Gao became the capital city and Songhai became a vassal to Mali....
[The entire page is 658 words long]
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