WEEK 2:

Socio-Political Structure of the Ancient Songhai Empire

Military Might:

Regular Army

Powerful navy

Speedy transport by canoes

Consistent Military conquest and expansion

Security from the Tuaregs and Fulani from Mali/ Jenne and Timbuktu as a centre of trade and Muslim education taking over in 1473 Constructed a canal to Walata in 1480

Established a government in the Empire

The Songhai Empire operated a centralised and monarchical system of government. The king, known by the title Sunni or Askiya, depending on the era and dynasty, was the ruler of the whole realm. Being an empire which was very large and highly populated, the king ruled the kingdom with the help of some aristocrats and noblemen who acted as governors, administrators and members of the royal court. Governors ruled five popular city-states created by the Sunni, while other small city-states were granted some level of autonomy but required to pay tributes and report to.... View More