Map of Songhai Territory
Located in western Africa, the Songhai Empire was one of the largest Islamic empires in history.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Economy: B+
The economy of the Songhai Empire was very strong and efficient. The city of Jenne was the center of trade, located in the middle of the empire (around present-day Mali). The empire continued to expand until it extended from the Atlantic Ocean to what is now Niger and Nigeria.
Trade in the Songhai Empire flourished and made the nobles rich. The state protected the Julla, or merchants, and guarded the port cities along the Niger River. This created a very strong trading kingdom. Common trade goods included gold, salt, rice, kola nuts, cotton, and slaves (the Songhai was a strong member of the slave trade). These were exported in exchange for West African or European items, such as textiles, horses, and luxury goods. The abundant amount of gold and salt mines in the Songhai Empire also drew invaders, and it eventually contributed to the empire's decline.
Trade in the Songhai Empire flourished and made the nobles rich. The state protected the Julla, or merchants, and guarded the port cities along the Niger River. This created a very strong trading kingdom. Common trade goods included gold, salt, rice, kola nuts, cotton, and slaves (the Songhai was a strong member of the slave trade). These were exported in exchange for West African or European items, such as textiles, horses, and luxury goods. The abundant amount of gold and salt mines in the Songhai Empire also drew invaders, and it eventually contributed to the empire's decline.
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