The Songhai Empire, a powerful and prosperous civilization in West Africa, rose to prominence in the 15th century. Known for its vast wealth, particularly in gold, and its strategic control of trans-Saharan trade routes, the empire flourished under the leadership of rulers like Sonni Ali and Askia the Great. However, internal conflicts, external pressures, and the shifting dynamics of trade eventually led to its decline and collapse in the late 16th century, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and intellectual achievement.