Geography
Where is the Songhai Empire Located?
Western Africa, Center Mali (Needs to mention something about the Niger River)
How is the Mali Empire related to the Songhai Empire?
It was conquered by the Mali Empire, but the Mali Empire’s decline, however, is what led the Songhai Empire to gain independence to become the Songhai Empire.
What was most buildings made of in the Songhai Empire?
Mud
What types of sculptures did the Songhai people make and what for? (Give 3 examples)
Pottery and ceramic figurines, and wooden masks
How many Provinces were the Songhai Empire split into and how were they governed?
The empire was divided into 5 provinces, each with its own governors along with Town chiefs and Judges who ruled through Muslim beliefs.
What are the Impacts of the Niger River on the people of the Empire?
Agriculture, Trade, & Resources
When was the Songhai Empire founded?
Around the 9th Century
Which city is the capital of the Songhai Empire?
Gao
What religions did the Songhai People worship?
They were polytheistic and mixed an ample amount of different religions such as Sunni Islam & Animism
How is the Labor system Structured?
Kings ⟶ Nobles + Direct Descendants of the Songhai emperor ⟶ Free Commoners + Traders ⟶ Artisans + Mechanics + Educators ⟶ Griots(Bards + Chroniclers) ⟶ Slaves
What is West and East of the Songhai Empire?
The Atlantic Ocean and Nigeria
Who was the founder of the Songhai empire and what was their significance to the success of the empire?
King Sonni Ali, who was merciless and conquered the Mali Empire through continuous attacks
What is the city of Djenne known for today?
Known as the agriculture trade center
What are the inventions of the Songhai Empire and what were their impacts?
Riverboats were used to transport goods as well as help with trade; riverboats helped hunting
What are the goods that were being traded by the Songhai people?
Leather, Date, Ivory, Salt, & Ivory
Where were the Zarma People found?
Westernmost region of the Niger River
Why did King Mohammad I expand the territory of the Songhai Empire?
Due to the decrease of the gold trade, King Mohammad I recognized the crucial role of the expansion of the Songhai empire.
Name one of the three oldest West African’s Mosques in Timbuktu
Sankore/Sidi Yahia/Djinguereber
What specific type of economy did the Songhai people have?
The Songhai people were caravan traders
Who are considered as Intellectual Elites?
Artisans, Educators, & Religious Leaders
In what ways did the people of the Songhai Empire change the landscape around them?
Dig trenches to divert water towards crops and farms -> Irrigations
How did the expansions affect the prosperity of the Songhai Empire? (Give at least 2 specific examples)
The land brought prosperity through natural resources, such as salt and important water sources, such as the Senegal River
Of the three cities mentioned, which one had the most cultural influence and significance? Why? (Give at least 2 reasons)
Timbuktu, because it had 3 of west Africa’s oldest mosques, it was an ideal trading center, and many religions were brought to this trading center.
What were the “police officers” in the Songhai empire called and what were their jobs? (Give at least 2 examples)
Qadis; enforced the law, made sure that the Sharia law was being followed, and handled disputes between merchants.
What are two major impacts that the Songhai empire had on modern-day African or the world in general?
They influenced 12 modern-day nations with their religion and culture; Cities, such as Gao were built and still stand today, spreading the art and culture of the Songhai empire