Today's lesson was focused on Songhai Empire. Mercer read material that detailed how Songhai became the great trading state of West Africa that flourished in the 15th -16th century. He learned the Kingdom of Songhai, or Songhay, developed from a community of fishermen who lived along the Niger River and were skilled canoeists. During the 9th century, they became part of the state of Songhai and began trading with Muslim traders in Gao, which then became part of the kingdom. Mercer was on task.