Back to: History JSS 2
Welcome to class!
Hello, my amazing JSS 2 student! Welcome back to history class. Today, we’re going to pinpoint the location of the last of the great medieval West African empires we’ll study: the Songhai Empire!
Location of Songhai Empire on the Map of Africa
Have you heard of Sunni Ali or Askia Muhammad? They were important rulers of the Songhai Empire, which rose to power after the decline of the Mali Empire. The Songhai Empire was a vast and influential empire in West Africa, flourishing between the 15th and 16th centuries.
So, where exactly was this powerful empire located? The Songhai Empire was situated in West Africa, in a region that covers parts of modern-day Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. It centered around the Niger River valley, just like the Mali Empire before it, but expanded even further.
Imagine the map of Africa. The Songhai Empire was located in the western part of the continent, south of the Sahara Desert. This location was strategic for controlling trade routes across the Sahara and for accessing resources like gold.
The Songhai Empire grew from a smaller kingdom centered around the city of Gao, which eventually became its capital. From Gao, the empire expanded significantly, incorporating much of the territory that had previously belonged to the Mali Empire, and even extending beyond it.
The Songhai Empire’s location, particularly its control over the Niger River and important trading cities like Timbuktu, was crucial to its success. These factors allowed the empire to control the trans-Saharan trade, making it a major economic and political power in the region. Timbuktu, under Songhai rule, continued to be a vital center of learning and trade.
So, when you picture the map of Africa, remember that the Songhai Empire was located in the western part of the continent, south of the Sahara Desert, along the Niger River, with its capital at Gao. Its strategic location and control over key trade routes and cities made it the dominant force in West Africa for a time.
Evaluation
Now, let’s test your understanding.
- Can you point to the general area on a map of Africa where the Songhai Empire was located?
- What were some of the advantages of its location, particularly regarding trade?
Fantastic work! You’re doing a wonderful job exploring the history of Africa. Remember, understanding the location of historical empires helps us understand their development, their interactions with other regions, and their place in the broader context of African history. I’m excited to continue this exploration with you in our next lesson!
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