Sub-Saharan Africa PERSIAN Chart
(Post-classical)
by Daniel Nakazono
Political
Within the vast grasslands of sub-Saharan africa, the Powerful Sudanic state of Songhai arose. Growing up near the Niger Valley, the Songhai empire became it's own dependent state around the 7th century and in 1010 made the capital of Gao. The rulers of Songhai were primarily Muslim. And in 1370 they broke away from Mali and became an independent trading state. The two primary leaders who brought this to happen were Sunni Ali and Askia the Great. Sunni Ali is recognized and famed for his military conquests, under Ali, Songhai conquered most of it's territory it had at it's prime. Askia the Great was responsible for converting traditional laws of Songhai to theocratic Muslim code. Songhai while in Dominance of it's region was a Monarchy. Viceroys were elites that were given the responsibility of governing certain regions of the land under their control, much like mayors of a city in the United States today.
Economy
Under Muslim rulers, Songhai was a trading state on the trans-Saharan trade routes.
Religion
People were united under a single religion, this religion connected people in friendship bonding and a common culture. All united under Islam, they influenced traders they came in contact with from outside lands through the trans-Saharan trade, and often converted their newly conquered regions to Islam.
Society
Education was extremely important to Songhai. This may be because the everyday life, was typically, aside from conquests of Sunni Ali, were fairly peaceful in the time. So the people could focus on education and educating their children. This led to many school buildings to be constructed.
Innovations
Because Postclassical Songhai was so able to focus on education, many technological innovations were produced. Improved canoes, and more protective and efficient armor were produced along with Cavalry equipment that was better than the old. Also militaristically, innovations such as weapons with iron tips for sharper and more durable use. These militaristic innovations helped lead to the military success and regional expansion-helping make Songhai the largest African Empire.
Arts and Architecture
Songhai's art was the product of diffusion from both African and Islamic styles, possibly from its location and it's conquests. Their art was colorful, especially in their clothing. Sports such as horse racing and a form of wrestling were considered arts in this postclassical civilization. Many mosques and schools were built with Islamic architecture despite the diffusion.
Near Geographic
This area was very dry and has very cold temperatures in the winter and extremely hot temperatures in summer. The Niger river is the main source of life in this flat region.