Rise of the Mali Empire

The Mali Empire was formed in 1235 after the Malinke people, led by Sundiata, rebelled against the oppressive rule of Sumanguru, who had taken over most of the land after the fall of the Ghana Empire.

Sundiata established a government with an assembly of kings, where he was the emperor. This government created laws for social classes, property rights, environmental protection, and personal conduct, communicated through oral traditions. The kings funded the government through taxes on trade and tribute from farms.

Mali's strategic location at the center of the trans-Saharan trade made it a melting pot of cultures. Traders from the north brought goods like salt, cloth, books, and copper, while those from the south brought gold, ivory, ostrich feathers, and enslaved people.

Sundiata implemented a standardized system of weights and measures, promoted scholarship, and created a unified government that fostered business growth. These initiatives helped to solidify Mali's power and prosperity.

The Songhai Empire's official language was Arabic, which facilitated communication and trade throughout the empire. This common language allowed for smoother governance and increased trade with Arab merchants.

The Songhai Empire weakened after Askia Muhammad's death due to disputes between his sons over the throne. This internal conflict made the empire vulnerable to invasion by Morocco, which ultimately led to its collapse.

The legacy of the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires persists in West Africa through language, culture, and religion. Millions still speak the languages of these empires, and their cultural traditions and beliefs continue to influence the region.

Sundiata, a leader from the Malinke clan, led a rebellion against the cruel rule of Sumanguru. This rebellion, supported by the Malinke people, successfully established the Mali Empire in 1235.

Sundiata established a government with an assembly of kings, where he served as the emperor. This government created laws for social classes, property rights, the environment, and personal conduct. Laws were communicated through oral traditions. The kings funded the government through taxes on trade and tribute from farms.

Sundiata's reign was marked by significant advancements. He established a system of weights and measures, promoted scholarship, and created a unified government that fostered business growth. These initiatives helped to solidify Mali's power and prosperity.

The widespread use of Arabic across the Songhai Empire facilitated communication and trade. This common language made governance smoother and increased trade with Arab merchants.

The legacy of Ghana, Mali, and Songhai continues to shape West Africa today through language, culture, and religion. Millions still speak the languages of these empires, and their cultural traditions and beliefs remain influential in the region.

The Songhai Empire's official language, Arabic, helped to unify the empire and facilitate trade.