The Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire
The ancient country of Ghana gave rise to the Mali Empire, which predated the Songhai dynasty and lasted from the early 13th century to the late 15th century. Previously, Mali was a state that belonged to the monarchy of Ghana. King Sundiata, also known as the lion king, led Mali to glory after the parent kingdom collapsed as a result of internal conflicts and invasions. (Conrad 33-38).
But after King Mansa Musa's death, his sons failed to keep the rebelling states united, and the empire fell, giving birth to the Songhai dynasty. As the might of Mali declined, the state of Songhai asserted its dominance and independence to emerge as the next great power in the region. Through the leadership of great kings such as Askia Mohammed Toure and Sunni Ali Ber, the dynasty expanded its borders beyond the reach that Ghana and Mali had previously enjoyed. It is recognized as the most powerful and largest kingdom to rule during the medieval West Africa period (Conrad 49-53). Its rapid growth was primarily driven by the vast gold and salt resources within its boundaries, which attracted both traders and invaders.
The Economy of the Songhai Empire
The source of income for the Songhai Empire originated from taxes levied on each province and royal farms. There was also an elaborate tax regime that taxed all merchandise passing through its territory. The empire was also rich in agricultural trade, particularly exchange of food products. It was also a major business hub for gold and the trans-Saharan slave trade. Slaves sourced from the Mossi region and Kola nuts harvested from the forest were used to trade for horses, cowries, woolen cloth, linen, as well as luxury products from Northern Africa (Conrad 97-101).
The Mali Empire's Economy and Trade
Similarly, the Mali Empire was also a significant business hub just like the Songhai dynasty. However, rather than focus on the trans-Saharan slave trade, the empire got its income and revenue from its elaborate gold and salt trade. In addition, it also had taxation regime for gold, salt, and other products that were in transit through its territory (Voisin and Mikessell 448-451).
Response
I agree that the Yoruba and Dahomey were strategically located in an area that was free from diseases and pests like tsetse flies that caused various complications in both man and animals. This facilitated the growth of agriculture and animal husbandry in both societies leading to the accumulation of surplus that was used to trade with other cultures ravaged by hunger and disease. Since its population was well fed, they also developed a strong army not only to defend its borders but also invade and expand their territory (Atanda 76-80). Due to the conquest of other societies, they also entered the slave trade business to assert their dominance.
Works Cited
Atanda, Joseph Adebowale. An introduction to Yoruba history. Lagos: Ibadan University Press, 1980. Print.
Conrad, David C. Empires of Medieval West Africa: Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. New York: Facts On File, 2005. Print.
Voisin, Russell L, and Marvin W. Mikessell. The International Geographic Encyclopedia and Atlas. London: Macmillan Press, 1979. Print.
