Songhai Flashcards
Where did Songhai establish itself near?
The Niger River
What are the main reasons for the rise of the Songhai Empire?
- Rise/leadership of Sonni Ali
- Decline of Mali
- Geography and cavalry
Evidence of the decline of Mali
After its peak in 1320s, a series of reverses afflicted Mali and Songhai began to show increasing signs of independence by 1400. Mali was a very large, complex and decentralised state, with 36 sultans/provincial rulers.
What did Al-Sa’di say about the size of Mali
its lands were so extensive that the ‘‘ruler of Mali brought Songhai, Timbuktu, Mema and Baghama and their territories under his sway to as far as the salt sea [Atlantic].’’
What was the problem with this vast expansion/political power?
This political power came at the cost of a violent expansionist military force which bred resentment. Military command spilt between commanders in south and north , who in turn had officers dispatched on raids to restore order.
What was the consequence of this ‘‘outsourcing’’ of military power?
'’Led to tyranny, high-handedness and the violation of people’s right in the latter days of their rule’’. Growth of resentment + challenges to Mansas’ rule, more complicated by inability to exert centralised authority over area size of Western Europe.
Evidence for decline of Mali (2)
General rebelliousness form growing raids from Tuareg nomads from desert regions, very damaging. Seized control of Timbuktu 1433-4
Faced attacks also form Mossi people and Songhai peoples
Give some of Sonni Ali’s achievements which contributed to the rise of the Empire
Came to the Songhai throne in 1464. Exchange of letters between later ruler and Al-Maghili describe how he ‘‘sought power’’ and ‘‘rose up against Songhai’‘on his father’s death fighting until he ‘‘gained dominion’’.
Wreaked violence across the Niger River.
Timbuktu Campaign - 1468 - 1st major campaign, sources suggest he violently ravaged the city and persecuted the Ulema.
- Jenne Campaign (1473), uses Sorko fishermen to create first WA Nazy of 400 wooden boats, 6 month siege and then married the Sultans widowed mother
What are some of the atrocities Sonni Ali is said to have committed in Timbuktu?
- Forced mothers to grind baby with pestle and mortor
- Cut feotuses from mothers wombs
- Executed noble daughters in Kabara
- Slaughtered Ulema
- Destroyed manuscripts
- Enslaved Muslims
- 5 waves of pogroms against Ulema
What was the major cause of discord between Sonni Ali and the Ulema?
He perceived them as allies of the previously ruling Tuareg and potentially disloyal to him
What did he seek to create to consolidate the surrounding area around Jenne after the siege?
Sought to create a cordon sanitaire (guarded border) for protection. Returned to punitive war strategies, especially against the Fulani tribes.
What did he do after warring the Fulani people?
Turned attention Southwards to Mossi people, who liked to raid Niger River cities a lot from their homeland along the Volta River. Let them fight the Walata (another kingdom bear Timbuktu) as this was beneficial to him and destructive to them. Mossi-Koi resumed raids on NR bend, SA gathers army and defeats him 1483. Mossi remain independent but powerless to threaten.
Evidence to show Sonni’s Ali’s domination over the Mali Empire
1492, Songhai had supplanted Mali, controlled a huge crescent of fertile land over 2000km
What was an important reform introduced by Sonni Ali?
He changed the way agricultural tribute was to be paid to the suzerain of the empire. Malian practice had been to charge each individual for the assigned plot of land. He changed this with a system that grouped people together as a village and the village was collectively responsible for a fixed amount of tribute.
Why did Songhai begin to rise in the 10th century?
Because of its role in Trans-Saharan trade. In Gao, traders exchanged Saharan salts for, gourds, wax, honey, iron goods and cloth.
Strength of Songhai military
Extensive use of armoured cavalry with lances/spears which could close great distances rapidly and strike down foot soldiers with lethal momentum
Strength of Songhai military (2)
Infantry equipped with bows and arrows, swords and other blades. Elite soldiers wore metal breastplates. Blacksmiths experts in their craft and produced best iron weapons which outmatched their enemies.
Advantages of Songhai geography
Regions around Goa one of most fertile in Sahel –> best for breeding horses for strong cavalry
When did Sonni Ali die?
1492
When did Mohammed Ture succeed the throne?
1493, 4 months ater SA’s death
Where was Mohammed Ture before he became Askia?
Tondi-farma of the ‘‘rock’’ province in Western Songhai, mountainous area.
What are the theories for Sonni Ali’s death?
- Drowning from a river flash-flood
- Poisoned by Mohammed Ture with the support of the Ulema
Mohammed Ture had military experience but what would have made it difficult for him to succeed?
- Did not have royal lineage
- Soninke not Songhai ethincity
- Majority of the army supported Sonni Baru
Name some of the ethnicities in the Songhai Empire
Mande, Mandika, Soninke, Tuareg, Dogon etc
