The Songhai Empire began to rise in Western Sudan in 1464. What enduring effect did the empire have on the area? A. The Songhai Empire helped develop other empires in the region. B. The cities of Timbuktu and Jenne developed into centers of trade. C. The cities of Timbuktu and Jenne were conquered and then left in ruins. D. The Songhai Empire helped spread to Christianity throughout the region.

B. The cities of Timbuktu and Jenne developed into centers of trade.

Extra: The Songhai Empire was one of the largest Islamic empires in history. Under the leadership of rulers such as Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, the empire expanded and prospered, becoming a major center of commerce, culture, and learning. The cities of Timbuktu and Jenne, especially, flourished under Songhai rule, and they became significant hubs for the trade of gold, salt, and other goods. A rich intellectual life also developed, with Timbuktu becoming famous for its universities and libraries that housed many important manuscripts on religion, science, and the arts. The impact of the Songhai Empire can still be felt in modern Mali and Niger, where the legacy of these trading centers remains evident in the region's cultural and economic activities. The Empire also played a crucial role in the spread of Islam throughout West Africa; however, it did not spread Christianity, as the empire was predominantly Muslim. The decline and eventual fall of the Songhai Empire did not lead to the cities of Timbuktu and Jenne being left in ruins, but they eventually lost their primacy as trade centers after the fall of the empire. However, the architectural and cultural contributions of the Songhai period can still be observed in the area.