Askia The Great

About

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 sons.