WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Songhai encouraged trading with Muslims, such as the Berbers of the north. Great market places thrived in major cities where kola nuts, gold, ivory, slaves, spices, palm oil and precious woods were traded in exchange for salt, cloth, arms, horses and copper.

Detailed explanation-2: -Songhai society traditionally was highly structured, comprising a king and nobility, free commoners, artisans, griots (bards and chroniclers), and slaves. Marriage could be polygynous, cross cousins being preferred partners. Descent and succession are patrilineal.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Ghana, Mali and Songhai Empires were the largest sub-Saharan African empires before the era of European colonialism. They covered a period from the 4th century until the 16th century, with the Mali Empire in particular having a very long history.

Detailed explanation-4: -Arabic Writing. Islamic scholars also brought the written language of Arabic. The empires of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai welcomed and tolerated the Muslims and their religion, allowing them to teach people about their religion and culture and to create religious and educational institutions.