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Under the rule of Sonni Ali, the Songhai surpassed the Malian Empire in area, wealth, and power, absorbing vast areas of the Mali Empire and reaching its greatest extent.
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He incorporated the laws of the Koran into his justice system. Cities such as Timbuktu and Gao were developed into international centers of Islamic learning and culture.
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The Ghana Empire was extremely wealthy.
Trade and a strong agricultural base contributed to their early wealth.
Their empire was recognized as "the land of gold" because they had an enormous amount of gold.
Their vast trading network included goods such as gold, ivory, salt and copper.