Sonni Ali

MedievalEmperorSonghai Empire1440 — 1492

Great conqueror who built the Songhai Empire.

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Quick Facts

Born

1440

Died

1492

Country

Songhai Empire

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)76

Political (20%)63

Influence (20%)60

Legacy (20%)54

Leadership (15%)72

Strategy (15%)70

Total Score63.3

Sonni Ali — Complete Timeline

1468 AD

Conquest of the Mali EmpireWar◆ Major

Sonni Ali led the Songhai army to capture Timbuktu from the Mali Empire, ending Mali's control over the city. This victory marked the beginning of Songhai's rise as the dominant power in the western Sahel.

Songhai EmpireMali EmpireConquestTimbuktu

Impact: regional

1473 AD

Conquest of DjennéWar◆ Major

Sonni Ali besieged and captured the wealthy trading city of Djenn

Songhai EmpireDjennéConquestTrade

Impact: regional

1480 AD

Campaigns against the MossiWar

Sonni Ali launched military campaigns against the Mossi states to the south, defending Songhai's borders and expanding its influence. These campaigns secured the empire's southern frontier and demonstrated his military prowess.

Songhai EmpireMossiMilitary Campaign

Impact: regional