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Songhai Empire is considered as one of the greatest empires of western Africa. Songhai Empire flourished during the 15th and 16th century after the fall of the Carthage, Numidia and Egypt. Songhai, Mali and Ghana empires formed the core of the West Africa.
In the late14th century, during the reign of Sunni Ali, Songhai or Songhay Empire expanded and reached lofty heights of development. The Ghanaian and the Mali Empires were also parts of the Songhai Empire. Sunni Ali was an excellent administrator. Under his rule, the Songhai Empire was divided into many provinces. He appointed a separate governor for each of the province. He sought out new methods of farming, organized a navy, all accounting to his glory and success.
After the death of Sunny Ali, his son Sunni Baru ascended the throne. But Sunni Baru did not prove to be a great leader like his father. He was able to rule for a very short period after which the Songhai Empire went under the domains of Askia Muhammad Toure who proved to be a great leader. He brought about changes in the law system by placing Islamic law over traditional Songhai laws. He brought changes in the learning system by introducing schools and learning centers in Timbuktu. Scholars from the Sankore University were given the responsibility of spreading education among the people of the empire. Under his rule the Songhai Empire expanded and turned out to be the largest empire in Central Sudan.
The Songhai Empire marks the golden period in the history of Mali. The period witnessed all-round development in trade, commerce, education and law and order.
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