Prelude to the Rise of the Songhai Empire (1390s)

Timeline

1. 1391–1395Gao · MaliAs the Mali Empire declined, Songhai rulers in Gao stopped paying tribute to the Niani court; local military-political leaders effectively controlled defense and taxation of the middle Niger, achieving de facto independence.
2. 1393–1398Middle Niger River · Niger RiverSonghai power controlled river shipping, fishing grounds, and riverside markets, transshipping inland products through Gao toward Timbuktu, gradually accumulating wealth and military resources.
3. 1396–1400Gao · MaliRulers invited Islamic scholars and built mosques, consolidating rule through religious authority, and began extending influence to neighboring Songhai-speaking peoples, preparing for the large-scale conquests of Sunni Ali (acceded 1464).