Askia Dawud and the Songhay Empire

Practice flashcards covering the reign, culture, and military history of Askia Dawud in the Songhay Empire.

In what year did Askia Dawud become emperor of the Songhay Empire?

$$1549$$

How many Islamic schools were located in Timbuktu during the reign of Askia Dawud?

$$150$$

What cultural innovation did Askia Dawud establish to continue the work of his father?

An imperial library

Which historian described Askia Dawud as eloquent, a born leader, and fond of joking?

Al’Sa’di

What specific task did calligraphers perform for Askia Dawud?

Copying books, which were sometimes given as gifts to scholars

What political instability characterized the periods immediately preceding and following Askia Dawud’s reign?

Episodes of violent civil war as rival factions battled for power

Askia Dawud's military victories restored Songhay control over which specific trade routes?

Trade routes to the north

Which five groups or entities did Askia Dawud’s forces engage in battle?

The Mossi, the Fulani, the Malians, Kebbi, and Katsina

How many horsemen were sent by Askia Dawud in a raiding party to attack the Hausa city of Katsina?

$$24$$

How many Katsina cavalrymen engaged Askia Dawud's raiding party?

$$400$$

Of the raiding party sent to Katsina, how many horsemen were killed in the struggle?

$$15$$

Why did the ruler of Katsina return the nine wounded and captured Songhay soldiers to Askia Dawud?

He admired their "incomparable bravery" and believed they did not deserve to die.

What was Askia Dawud’s administrative policy regarding key government positions?

He employed only trusted supporters

Which mosque in Timbuktu did Askia Dawud repair?

University Mosque

Which mosque in Timbuktu did Askia Dawud enlarge?

Djinguerebere Mosque

In what year did Askia Dawud marry a Malian princess to consolidate his power?

$$1559$$

According to the seventeenth-century historian As-Sadi, what material were the Malian princess’s utensils made of?

Gold

To which historical figure did As-Sadi compare the luxury of the Malian princess?

Helen of Troy

What are the specific dates given for the reign of Askia Dawud?

$$1549 - 1582/83$$

What was the status of the Malian kingdom when Askia Dawud campaigned against it in 1559?

It was still a small kingdom