1.1 The rise of the Songhay Empire

Question 1

What were the reasons for the rise of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 1

Military developments, successes, use of cavalry, collapse of the Mali Empire, role of key figures (e.g., Sonni Ali, Askia Mohammed), capture of Timbuktu in 1468, weaknesses of and relationships with neighboring kingdoms, legal, administrative, cultural, and intellectual strengths.

Question 2

What was the significance of the conquest of Timbuktu?

Answer 2

It was a hub of commercial exchange, allowing control over trade routes and resources, and marked a major expansion for the Songhay Empire.

Question 3

Fill in the blank: The Songhay Empire’s rise was significantly influenced by the collapse of the _______ Empire.

Answer 3

Mali

Question 4

Who was the leader of the Songhay Empire known for his military strength?

Answer 4

Sonni Ali Beer

Question 5

What was the composition of Sonni Ali’s military?

Answer 5

Professional soldiers, elite cavalry, infantry, consisting of 30,000 infantry and 10,000 horsemen.

Question 6

True or False: The Songhay Empire adopted firearms during Sonni Ali’s reign.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

What role did the Hi-Koi play in the Songhay military?

Answer 7

Commander of the naval fleet, known as the ‘Master of the Water’.

Question 8

What was the capital of the early Songhay Kingdom?

Answer 8

Kukya

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The Songhay people merged culture with the _______ through intermarriage.

Answer 9

Amazigh

Question 10

Who were the Sorko?

Answer 10

Skilled fishermen who lived along the Niger River.

Question 11

What was the economic significance of the Niger Bend for the Songhay?

Answer 11

Rich soil suitable for agriculture and cattle-raising, facilitating trade.

Question 12

What was the historical period during which the Kingdom of Songhay existed?

Answer 12

1350 to 1600 CE.

Question 13

What was Sonni Ali’s strategy for military conquest?

Answer 13

He maneuvered his forces within the arc of territory enclosed by the Niger River.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The Songhay Empire expanded its territory from the Niger Valley west to _______ and east to Agades.

Answer 14

Senegal

Question 15

Who succeeded Sonni Ali and continued the expansion of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 15

Askia Mohammed

Question 16

What were the main trade goods in Gao during the rise of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 16

Gold, salt, slaves, kola nuts, leather, dates, ivory.

Question 17

What was the role of tributary peoples in the expansion of Songhay power?

Answer 17

Incorporated into Songhay power through military campaigns.

Question 18

What was the outcome of Sonni Ali’s capture of Timbuktu?

Answer 18

He established control over a vital trading city, leading to the expansion of the Songhay Empire.

Question 19

Fill in the blank: Sonni Ali’s military campaigns were often supported by _______ from conquered peoples.

Answer 19

resources

Question 20

What was the main criticism of Sonni Ali according to historian Saad?

Answer 20

Poor administrator, though a military genius.

Question 21

What was the importance of the capture of Djenne in 1473?

Answer 21

Commanded the gold and kola routes leading southwards.

Question 22

True or False: The capture of Timbuktu in 1469 was met with significant resistance.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What was the significance of the military music in Sonni Ali’s army?

Answer 23

Produced by a group of trumpeters, it played a role in military morale and coordination.

Question 24

What was the geographic advantage of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 24

Strategically located along the Niger River with navigable waterways.

Question 25

Who were the Fulani in the context of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 25

One of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa, among the tributary peoples.

Question 26

What was Djenne known for?

Answer 26

An important trading centre for gold, kola nuts, and ivory ## Footnote Djenne was strategically located in the floodplains between the Bani and Niger Rivers.

Question 27

How many attacks did Djenne traditionally withstand?

Answer 27

99 separate attacks by kings of Mali ## Footnote This reflects the historical significance and resilience of Djenne.

Question 28

What natural defenses protected Djenne?

Answer 28

Flooded in the wet season and swamps in the dry season, encircled by a high wall ## Footnote This made it difficult for invaders to use war canoes.

Question 29

How long did the siege of Djenne last according to oral histories?

Answer 29

More than 7 years ## Footnote Written accounts suggest it lasted for four years.

Question 30

What strategic action did Sonni Ali take during the siege of Djenne?

Answer 30

Set up a military blockade ## Footnote This was because he could not breach the city walls.

Question 31

What happened to the King of Djenne during the siege?

Answer 31

He surrendered just as Sonni Ali was about to lift the siege ## Footnote Sonni Ali showed restraint and mercy.

Question 32

What was Sonni Ali's plan for capturing Walata?

Answer 32

To dig a 200-mile-long canal to use naval forces ## Footnote He abandoned this project to confront the Mossi ruler.

Question 33

Which regions did Sonni Ali secure after capturing Timbuktu and Djenne?

Answer 33

Food-producing regions around Lake Debo and the inland delta of the Niger ## Footnote This was necessary to protect against raids.

Question 34

What was the outcome of Sonni Ali's campaigns against the Mossi?

Answer 34

Launched a long military campaign to subdue and annex the Mossi people from 1483 to 1486 ## Footnote He also captured Azawad in 1470.

Question 35

What administrative structure did Sonni Ali implement?

Answer 35

Split Songhay into 8 regions with provincial governors ## Footnote This helped consolidate his authority.

Question 36

What was the central administration of Songhay run from?

Answer 36

Gao ## Footnote It housed the imperial administrative offices and council of military leaders.

Question 37

What titles did Sonni Ali introduce in his administration?

Answer 37

* Farmas (governors) * Fari-Mondiyo (overseer of royal estates and taxes) * Jenne-Mondiyo (administrator of Djenne) * Yubu-koi (chief of the market) * Goima-koi (harbourmaster) * Hi-koi (chief of boats) * Rabb al-tariq (commanders of foot soldiers) * Baray-Koi (commander of the cavalry) ## Footnote This shows the growth in administrative complexity.

Question 38

What is religious syncretism as practiced by Sonni Ali?

Answer 38

The amalgamation of different religions, mixing Islam with traditional African beliefs ## Footnote This approach had both strengths and weaknesses for his rulership.

Question 39

What traditional African gods did Sonni Ali worship?

Answer 39

* Harke Dikko (god of the Niger) * Dongo (thunder god) ## Footnote These beliefs were central to the local religion.

Question 40

What was Sonni Ali's approach to Islam?

Answer 40

An unorthodox observance to respect Arab traders ## Footnote He adapted Islam to local needs.

Question 41

What were some achievements of Sonni Ali?

Answer 41

* Developed new farming methods * Peak of Trans-Saharan trade * Established strong central power * Made provincial governors loyal ## Footnote These achievements contributed to the strength of Songhay.

Question 42

When did Sonni Ali die?

Answer 42

In 1492 ## Footnote His death highlighted the dependence of the Songhay Empire on strong leadership.

Question 43

What caused the rise of the Songhay Empire?

Answer 43

Decline of the Mali Empire and internal rivalries ## Footnote This allowed for the establishment of the Sunni dynasty.

Question 44

How did Sonni Ali's military strength manifest?

Answer 44

* Professional army * Elite cavalry of 10,000 * Foot soldiers of 30,000 ## Footnote His military strategies were crucial in battles.

Question 45

What geographical advantages did Songhay have?

Answer 45

* Location on the Niger River * Pivotal for trans-Saharan trade ## Footnote These factors facilitated trade and agriculture.

Question 46

What was the impact of Islam on Songhay's legal and administrative developments?

Answer 46

Growth in diversity of titles and respect for local traditions ## Footnote Timbuktu and Djenne remained centers for Islamic learning.