JSS 2 HISTORY E-NOTEWeek 1: Origin and Location of the Ancient Songhai EmpireThe Songhai people made up the Songhai Empire and they were originally part of the ancient Mali Empire. The Songhai were people from different tribes who united and lived in Songhai, settling along the eastern side of the Niger River Bend

WEEK 2:Socio-Political Structure of the Ancient Songhai EmpireMilitary Might:Regular ArmyPowerful navySpeedy transport by canoesConsistent Military conquest and expansionSecurity 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

Week 3: Socio-Political Structure of the Ancient Songhai Empireii. Askiya Muhammad the Great (AD 1493-1528)His achievements: Expansion of the empireGovernment of the empireCentral governmentRegional AdministrationJustice system based on Sharia law

Week 4:Socio-Economic Structure of the Ancient Songhai EmpireThe ancient Songhai Empire was the largest and its economic structure was similar to the old Ghana and Mali great empires. The economy was structured around agriculture, trade, gold, art, craft and education. The empire had a very stable economy which attracted many people to the empire, especially the cities of Gao, Djenne and Timbuktu.

Week 5:Socio-Religious Activities of the Ancient Songhai EmpireThe Songhai Empire was recorded as an Islamic empire because the Songhai natives were Muslims. Many of the kings of the empire were devout Muslims who valued the religious laws of their faith.

Week 6:Factors that Led to the Rise of the Ancient Songhai Empire (Geographical Factors & Commercial Factors)The Songhai people took over from the fallen Mali Empire and became the largest empire in Western Africa. The people, under competent leaders, pulled manpower and resources together to make a name and establish a great empire.

Week 7 & 8:Factors that Led to the Rise of the Ancient Songhai Empire (Political Factors & the Role of Islam)(i) Good leadership: The Songhai people succeeded in establishing a dynasty because they had a good government. The rulers knew what they needed to make a strong and lasting empire and they persevered to achieve their goals.

Week 9:Factors that Led to the Fall of the Ancient Songhai Empire: Internal FactorsThe ancient Songhai Empire grew to become a powerful and influential kingdom which attracted other empires of the world such as the Morocco and British Empire.

Week 10 &11:Factors that Led to the Fall of the Ancient Songhai Empire: External FactorsThe Moroccan Conquest: The defeat of Songhai by the armies of Morocco brought an end to the empire. Songhai Empire was very vast and their trade cities were the envy of many kingdoms, thus rulers of other empires sought to capture Songhai. The Moroccans in October 1590 led by Judar Pashar took the cities of Gao, Djenne and Timbuktu. They went further to burn farmlands in the empire.