Why did ancient songhai end?

Answer 1

The ancient Songhai Empire declined due to a combination of internal strife, weak leadership, and external pressures. The empire faced significant challenges from rival states, particularly the Moroccan invasion in 1591, which was fueled by the desire to control the lucrative trans-Saharan trade routes. Additionally, the empire's vast size made it difficult to manage effectively, leading to political fragmentation and rebellion. The loss of trade dominance and military defeats ultimately contributed to the fall of Songhai.