What was the social structure of the Songhai Empire?

The social structure of the Songhai Empire was hierarchical and comprised several distinct classes. At the top were the royals and nobles, including the emperor and his court, followed by the military elite. Below them were the free citizens, including merchants, farmers, and artisans, while slaves occupied the lowest tier of society. This structure was influenced by Islamic principles, with scholars and religious leaders also holding significant social status.