The Bornu Empire was a powerful state in northeastern Nigeria that flourished from the 14th to the 19th century. It emerged from the Kanem-Bornu region and was known for its strong military and trade networks. The empire was a center for the trans-Saharan trade, connecting West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean. The empire was ruled by a series of leaders known as Mai, who oversaw a diverse population and promoted Islam. The Bornu Empire reached its peak in the 16th century, but it eventually declined due to internal strife and external pressures, including the rise of the Fulani Empire.