The Songhai Empire Curriculum Workbook is designed as an engaging and comprehensive learning tool for students studying West African history. This workbook contains a series of clear, easy-to-read articles that cover the full scope of the Songhai Empire, from its early beginnings to its eventual decline. Each article focuses on a specific topic, including the empire’s geography, government, culture, daily life, religion, social classes, food and agriculture, education, arts and entertainment, clothing, technology and science, trade and commerce, military and warfare, literature, and the roles of men and women.

In addition to these general topics, the workbook provides detailed historical accounts of significant events and leaders, such as the founding of Gao, the rise of the Za and Sunni dynasties, Sunni Ali Ber’s reign, Askia Muhammad Ture’s Islamic reforms and pilgrimage to Mecca, and Timbuktu’s Golden Age with scholars like Ahmad Baba. It also addresses major conflicts and changes, including wars with the Tuareg and Mossi, the Moroccan threat, the Battle of Tondibi, the fall of Gao and Timbuktu, and the fragmentation of the empire into smaller states.

Each article is accompanied by carefully designed questions that encourage comprehension, critical thinking, and discussion. The workbook allows students to explore both the political and cultural dimensions of the Songhai Empire, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of its history and legacy.

Includes:
Overview

Geography

Government

Culture

Daily Life

Religion

Social Classes

Food & Agriculture

Education

Arts & Entertainment

Clothing

Technology & Science

Trade & Commerce

Military & Warfare

Literature

Men’s Roles

Women’s Roles

Founding of Gao

Songhai under the Za dynasty

Za Kusoy accepts Islam

Songhai under Mali Empire control

Gao regains independence from Mali

Ali Kolon Establishes the Sunni dynasty

Sunni Sulayman Dama expands Songhai

Sunni Ali Ber begins rule

Capture of Timbuktu

Capture of Djenné

Wars against Tuareg and Mossi states

Death of Sunni Ali

Askia Muhammad Ture seizes power

Askia Muhammad’s Islamic reforms

Askia Muhammad’s pilgrimage to Mecca

Timbuktu’s Golden Age with scholars like Ahmad Baba

Askia Muhammad organizes Provinces & Government

Songhai Empire reaches its peak

Overthrow of Askia Muhammad by his son

Civil wars within the Askia dynasty

Morocco grows as a threat to Songhai

Battle of Tondibi

Fall of Gao to Moroccan forces

Loss of Timbuktu to Morocco

Fragmentation of Songhai into smaller states