Emperor Yang of Sui vs Sonni Ali

Emperor Yang ordered the construction of the Grand Canal, linking the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins. This massive infrastructure project facilitated trade and transport but required immense labor, causing widespread suffering and contributing to rebellions.

Emperor Yang launched a massive invasion of the Korean kingdom of Goguryeo with over 300,000 troops. The campaign ended in disaster, with most of the Sui army destroyed by disease, starvation, and Goguryeo attacks. This defeat severely weakened the Sui dynasty.

Emperor Yang launched a second invasion of Goguryeo. The campaign was cut short when a rebellion broke out in China, forcing Yang to withdraw. This further drained the dynasty's resources and morale.

Emperor Yang launched a third invasion of Goguryeo. Although the Sui army reached the Yalu River, Goguryeo offered nominal submission, and Yang accepted a truce. This campaign further exhausted the Sui treasury and military.

Emperor Yang was assassinated by his own guards in Jiangdu (modern Yangzhou) during a rebellion. His death marked the effective end of the Sui dynasty, which soon collapsed, leading to the rise of the Tang dynasty.

Sonni Ali led the Songhai army to capture Timbuktu from the Mali Empire, ending Mali's control over the city. This victory marked the beginning of Songhai's rise as the dominant power in the western Sahel.

Sonni Ali besieged and captured the wealthy trading city of Djenn

Sonni Ali launched military campaigns against the Mossi states to the south, defending Songhai's borders and expanding its influence. These campaigns secured the empire's southern frontier and demonstrated his military prowess.