Military reasons for the rise of the kingdom

Why was it easier for Sonnis to prise soldiers away from Mali?

growing resentment toward Malian military command because many were taken from provinces

What did Sonni Ali capture from the Tuareg in 1468?

Timbuktu - strong city with connections in trans Saharan trade

With Songhay’s army , where else did Sonni Ali capture that had strong trade links?

River port at Kabara

Who did Ali lead military campaigns against ?

• Mossi

• Tuareg

What was taken in 1472? how ?

Djenne - said to have lasted 7 years,7months and 7 days

400 naval vessels used

How did capturing Djenne allow economic advances?

• significant part of the trans Saharan network

• gave Ali control of gold and Kola routes leading to Volta basin

what did Songhay soldiers fight with?

• metal breastplates

• knives and sabres

• elite cavalry

• battle canoes

what did Eastern Songhay have that improved cavalry ?

better breeding conditions for horses - fertile grassland

What River did the strong naval fleet use to conquer territory ?

Niger River

What was said to happen that showed Sonni ali’s dedication to naval tactics?

he attempted to dig a canal through the desert to reach target

Where geographically was Sonni Ali most successful and unsuccessful against the Malian empire?

in Savannah

less in forests - challenging terrain for cavalry - mercy of Malian archers

where did Askia Muhammad expand ?

westward - included the whole of the Northern half of the old Mali empire

what did oral tradition say about Songhay army ?

never were beaten