Overview of the Culture
The Songhai Empire, also known as the Songhai Empire, was a state located in western Africa. From the early 15th to the late 16th century, Songhai was one of the largest Islamic empires in history. This empire had the same name as its leading ethnic group, the Songhai.
The main leaders of the Empire were Sonni Ali and Askia Muhammad. Sonni Ali, known for his military accomplishments, gained almost all their land and established a great wealth. Askia Muhammad organized the territories that Sonni Ali had previously conquered and extended his power as far to the south and east.
Gold was the major source of wealth in the Empire. Because of the gold, many other kingdoms across Africa traded with them. Songhai benefited greatly from their relationships with other kingdoms.
Summary and Reflection on the Illustrations
The pictures that I choose represented the Songhai Empire by showing certain aspects of the kingdom. The five subjects that I chose that best reflected the Empire were people, architecture, trade, religion, and my postcards. While researching Songhai, I found that there were a few famous decedents of the Empire including Morgan Freeman and Kimberly Elise. I would have never expected that popular celebrities of today came from the Songhai Empire.
Synthesis of What I Learned
I wasn’t aware of the Songhai Empire’s existence when I was assigned it. I had no clue that it had so much impact on Africa and its countries and culture. Without the Songhai Empire, there probably wouldn’t be some trade in between other kingdom which would have affected modern day cities.
Overall, the Songhai Empire seemed like a regular culture compared to other ones I have heard about. If I had to choose one African civilization to live in, it would probably be Songhai.
The Songhai Empire, also known as the Songhai Empire, was a state located in western Africa. From the early 15th to the late 16th century, Songhai was one of the largest Islamic empires in history. This empire had the same name as its leading ethnic group, the Songhai.
The main leaders of the Empire were Sonni Ali and Askia Muhammad. Sonni Ali, known for his military accomplishments, gained almost all their land and established a great wealth. Askia Muhammad organized the territories that Sonni Ali had previously conquered and extended his power as far to the south and east.
Gold was the major source of wealth in the Empire. Because of the gold, many other kingdoms across Africa traded with them. Songhai benefited greatly from their relationships with other kingdoms.
Summary and Reflection on the Illustrations
The pictures that I choose represented the Songhai Empire by showing certain aspects of the kingdom. The five subjects that I chose that best reflected the Empire were people, architecture, trade, religion, and my postcards. While researching Songhai, I found that there were a few famous decedents of the Empire including Morgan Freeman and Kimberly Elise. I would have never expected that popular celebrities of today came from the Songhai Empire.
Synthesis of What I Learned
I wasn’t aware of the Songhai Empire’s existence when I was assigned it. I had no clue that it had so much impact on Africa and its countries and culture. Without the Songhai Empire, there probably wouldn’t be some trade in between other kingdom which would have affected modern day cities.
Overall, the Songhai Empire seemed like a regular culture compared to other ones I have heard about. If I had to choose one African civilization to live in, it would probably be Songhai.