Askia Daoud vs Sahle Selassie

Askia Daoud became ruler of the Songhai Empire after the death of his brother, Askia Ishaq I. His reign, lasting over 30 years, is considered the longest in Songhai history and was marked by internal peace and administrative consolidation.

Askia Daoud continued the Songhai tradition of patronizing Islamic scholars and the University of Sankore in Timbuktu. This period saw a flourishing of learning and intellectual activity, reinforcing Timbuktu's status as a center of Islamic culture.

Askia Daoud died after a reign of approximately 33 years. His death triggered a succession crisis among his many sons, weakening the Songhai Empire and setting the stage for the Moroccan invasion a decade later.

Sahle Selassie became King of Shewa, a semi-independent kingdom within the Ethiopian Empire. He expanded Shewa's territory through conquest and diplomacy, laying the foundation for its later dominance under his grandson, Menelik II.

Sahle Selassie led military campaigns to incorporate neighboring Oromo regions into Shewa. These conquests significantly increased Shewa's size and resources, but also involved forced assimilation and tribute collection.

Sahle Selassie initiated contact with British and French envoys, seeking European recognition and military technology. This opened Shewa to European influence and set a precedent for later Ethiopian engagement with colonial powers.