The Songhai Empire was so powerful because of the military exploits of Sunni Ali. As well, the Songhai Empire controlled and taxed the vast network of trade across the Sahara desert. What was Songhai best known for? The Songhai Empire is best known for the works of Sunni Ali and Muhammad ...
was the mansa (emperor) of the West African empire of Mali from 1307 (or 1312). Mansa Mūsā left a realm notable for its extent and riches—he built the Great Mosque at Timbuktu—but he is best remembered in the Middle East and Europe for the splendour of his pilgrimage to Mecca (...