Songhai (jan 1, 1430 – jan 1, 1591)
Description:
- West Africa- Patrilineal society, men married multiple women
- Largely under the clan system
- Centralized administration
- Built canals for agriculture
- Elites follow Islam, rural communities follow native animist beliefs
- Prospered from caravan trade
- Timbuktu: trade center
- Astronomy and observatories, canoes, iron tools
- Consolidated power through control of trade routes, alliances and military expansion
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1430
jan 1, 1591
~ 161 years