Mali Empire History

Geography and Foundation

• Located in West Africa, covering modern-day Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, and parts of Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Côte d'Ivoire
• Founded by Sundiata Keita in 1235, after defeating the Sosso Empire
• Capital city: Niani, Mali

Economy and Trade

• Based on trans-Saharan trade, particularly in gold, salt, and ivory
• Major trade routes: Timbuktu, Gao, and Djenné
• Control of the Niger River enabled trade with other regions
• Merchants from North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East traded with the Mali Empire

Social Structure and Politics

• Empire was divided into provinces, each with its own governor and administration
• The emperor (Mansa) held absolute power, advised by a council of elders
• Social hierarchy: nobles, freemen, and slaves
• Islam was the dominant religion, with a mix of traditional African practices

Notable Rulers

• Sundiata Keita (1235-1255): Founder of the empire, credited with its expansion and prosperity
• Mansa Musa I (1307-1332): Famed for his pilgrimage to Mecca, which showcased the empire's wealth
• Mansa Suleiman (1341-1360): Strengthened the empire's military and administrative systems

Decline and Legacy

• Weakened by internal conflicts, regionalism, and the rise of neighboring empires (e.g., Songhai)
• Fragmented into smaller kingdoms, including the Bamana Empire, in the 16th century
• The Mali Empire's legacy includes its cultural and economic achievements, as well as its role in the spread of Islam in West Africa

Geography and Foundation

• Located in West Africa, covering modern-day Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, and parts of Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Côte d'Ivoire
• Founded in 1235 by Sundiata Keita after defeating the Sosso Empire
• Capital city: Niani, Mali

Economy and Trade

• Based on trans-Saharan trade, particularly in gold, salt, and ivory
• Major trade routes: Timbuktu, Gao, and Djenné
• Control of the Niger River enabled trade with other regions
• Merchants from North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East traded with the Mali Empire

Social Structure and Politics

• Empire was divided into provinces, each with its own governor and administration
• The emperor (Mansa) held absolute power, advised by a council of elders
• Social hierarchy: nobles, freemen, and slaves
• Islam was the dominant religion, with a mix of traditional African practices

Notable Rulers

• Sundiata Keita (1235-1255): Founder of the empire, credited with its expansion and prosperity
• Mansa Musa I (1307-1332): Famed for his pilgrimage to Mecca, showcasing the empire's wealth
• Mansa Suleiman (1341-1360): Strengthened the empire's military and administrative systems

Decline and Legacy

• Weakened by internal conflicts, regionalism, and the rise of neighboring empires (e.g., Songhai)
• Fragmented into smaller kingdoms, including the Bamana Empire, in the 16th century
• Legacy includes cultural and economic achievements, as well as its role in the spread of Islam in West Africa