Throughout the 13th and 16th centuries, the Mali and Songhai Empires rose to power in Western Africa, through an accomplished trading system and powerful legitimate emperors. The Mali Empire was ruled by many emperors, two of which were Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa. Sundiata and his 11 brothers were seeked to be killed by Sumanguru, ruler of the neighboring state of Kaniaga who wanted to expand his state of the land of the Mali Empire. Because of his childhood disability, Sumanguru spared his life, while killing the rest of his siblings. Sundiata rose to power in 1217 and died in 1255; a short reign didn’t stop him from gaining massive success. Mansa Musa, famously known for his incredible wealth, rose to power in 1312 until his death in 1337.
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After the rule of Sundiata, Mansa Musa came into rule. He created a strong empire by expanding his trade throughout important cities such as Timbuktu. He, “controlled the lands of the Middle Niger, absorbed into his empire the trading cities of Timbuktu and Gao, and imposed his rule on such south Saharan cities as Walata and on the Taghaza region of salt deposits to the north” ("Mali"). Mansa Musa’s strong army constantly expanded his accomplished empire, which helped the trade industry because more farmers and slaves were able to provide for the big trading business. Controlling the Taghaza region was beneficial for the empire because salt was in great demand. Merchants had long and dry journeys to the trading cities. Mansa Musa’s power and wealth attracted more merchants to trade with him. Because of this, many captured cities became satisfied, and even happy with this new way of life because of Mansa Musa’s soft power approach. They showed their admiration for his through peace. About two centuries later, the Songhai Empire was created; the great leader Muhammad I Askia also captured great territories such as Timbuktu and Gao which guaranteed success for the new empire. Muhammad created a strong foundation to then create a great empire, “Songhai’s territory [extended] west to the Atlantic Ocean and east into what are now Niger and Nigeria. The empire controlled traditional trade routes across West Africa and held salt mines to the north” ("Songhai Empire"). Askia then founded the dynasty and turned the Empire into an Islamic state that was tolerant of others. This attracted Muslims as well as others because Askia didn’t enforce religion on his people. He also extended Songhai territory from the West to the Atlantic Ocean in the West and East. This helped advance his trading opportunities because ocean trading had become a
After the rule of Sundiata, Mansa Musa came into rule. He created a strong empire by expanding his trade throughout important cities such as Timbuktu. He, “controlled the lands of the Middle Niger, absorbed into his empire the trading cities of Timbuktu and Gao, and imposed his rule on such south Saharan cities as Walata and on the Taghaza region of salt deposits to the north” ("Mali"). Mansa Musa’s strong army constantly expanded his accomplished empire, which helped the trade industry because more farmers and slaves were able to provide for the big trading business. Controlling the Taghaza region was beneficial for the empire because salt was in great demand. Merchants had long and dry journeys to the trading cities. Mansa Musa’s power and wealth attracted more merchants to trade with him. Because of this, many captured cities became satisfied, and even happy with this new way of life because of Mansa Musa’s soft power approach. They showed their admiration for his through peace. About two centuries later, the Songhai Empire was created; the great leader Muhammad I Askia also captured great territories such as Timbuktu and Gao which guaranteed success for the new empire. Muhammad created a strong foundation to then create a great empire, “Songhai’s territory [extended] west to the Atlantic Ocean and east into what are now Niger and Nigeria. The empire controlled traditional trade routes across West Africa and held salt mines to the north” ("Songhai Empire"). Askia then founded the dynasty and turned the Empire into an Islamic state that was tolerant of others. This attracted Muslims as well as others because Askia didn’t enforce religion on his people. He also extended Songhai territory from the West to the Atlantic Ocean in the West and East. This helped advance his trading opportunities because ocean trading had become a