April
28
/ 2019
Muhammad I Askia (also known as Askia the Great) was one of the most important emperors of the Songhai Empire. Askia came to power in 1493, when he overthrew the last ruler of the Sunni Dynasty, Sunni Baru, and established the Askia Dynasty. He was a capable ruler, who not only expanded his realm, but also increased the efficiency of his empire’s administration through reforms. Askia’s fortunes fell in his later years, as he was deposed by one of his own sons. But after spending several years in exile, he was recalled to the capital Gao, where he died shortly after. Little is known about Askia the Great’s origins. Although the date and place of his birth are unknown, his
