Title: Songhai, African Empire, 15-16th Century | South African History Online
Headings: Songhai, African Empire, 15-16th Century
Songhai, African Empire, 15-16th Century
Overview, West Africa and the rise of the Songhai Empire
Culture, Religion and Monarchy
Travel and trade in Songhai
Kingdoms
Atlantic System, Contact with Europeans
The Triangular Trade System
Collections in the Archives

Content: As a result, smaller traders joined with each other like the Chokwe and Lunda kingdoms under a single broad-based trade. This led to the increase of ivory and rubber trade between these kingdoms and with Portuguese traders. Present day Kuba King. Source: Daniel Laine (2001) National Geographic, from www.news.nationalgeographic.com
The slave trade was also important for the economic development of West Africa. For a very long time, West African kingdoms had relied on slaves to carry out heavy work. The Songhai kingdom under the rule of Askia Mohammed used slaves as soldiers. Slaves were trusted not to overthrow their rulers. Slaves were also given important positions as royal advisers. Songhai rulers believed that slaves could be trusted to provide unbiased advice unlike other citizens who held a personal stake in the outcome of decisions.