Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who was the brother who returned from exile with an army, gathered friends and allies, and marched against Sumanguru?
Who was the brother who returned from exile with an army, gathered friends and allies, and marched against Sumanguru?
Sundiata Keita
Where did Sundiata and Sumanguru meet for battle?
Where did Sundiata and Sumanguru meet for battle?
Kirina
What did Sumanguru think Sundiata's army was when he first saw it?
What did Sumanguru think Sundiata's army was when he first saw it?
A mountain of stone
What was the outcome of the battle between Sundiata and Sumanguru?
What was the outcome of the battle between Sundiata and Sumanguru?
What was the name of the city that served as the capital of Kangaba during Sundiata's time?
What was the name of the city that served as the capital of Kangaba during Sundiata's time?
What was the result of Sumanguru's warriors fleeing to get behind Sumanguru after Sundiata's shout?
What was the result of Sumanguru's warriors fleeing to get behind Sumanguru after Sundiata's shout?
How many heads would usually rise above Sumanguru's head when he shouted?
How many heads would usually rise above Sumanguru's head when he shouted?
What was the administrative structure of Sundiata's empire?
What was the administrative structure of Sundiata's empire?
What did the name 'Mali' mean, and what name did it eventually absorb?
What did the name 'Mali' mean, and what name did it eventually absorb?
Who was the first king of Mali, and what did he do that was notable?
Who was the first king of Mali, and what did he do that was notable?
Who was Sundiata Keita, and what did he do during his reign?
Who was Sundiata Keita, and what did he do during his reign?
What title did Uli, Sundiata's son, take when he became king, and what did it translate to?
What title did Uli, Sundiata's son, take when he became king, and what did it translate to?
What event marked the end of Khalifa's reign, and what happened to him?
What event marked the end of Khalifa's reign, and what happened to him?
Who seized the throne of the Mali Empire in 1298, and what was unique about him?
Who seized the throne of the Mali Empire in 1298, and what was unique about him?
Who was the great ruler who came to power in 1312, and how long did he rule?
Who was the great ruler who came to power in 1312, and how long did he rule?
What was Mali's achievement, and how did it compare to Ancient Ghana?
What was Mali's achievement, and how did it compare to Ancient Ghana?
What was the main motivation behind the occupation of Timbuktu by Sunni Ali?
What was the main motivation behind the occupation of Timbuktu by Sunni Ali?
What was the significance of Jenne in the context of the trans-Saharan trade?
What was the significance of Jenne in the context of the trans-Saharan trade?
What was the outcome of Sunni Baru's reign as the ruler of Songhay?
What was the outcome of Sunni Baru's reign as the ruler of Songhay?
What was the impact of Sunni Ali's rule on the spread of Islam in Songhay?
What was the impact of Sunni Ali's rule on the spread of Islam in Songhay?
What was the significance of the lake region of the Middle Niger in the context of Sunni Ali's conquests?
What was the significance of the lake region of the Middle Niger in the context of Sunni Ali's conquests?
What was the nature of the disputes that led to the rise of Muhammad Turay as Askia the Great?
What was the nature of the disputes that led to the rise of Muhammad Turay as Askia the Great?
What was the significance of the market cities in Songhay during this period?
What was the significance of the market cities in Songhay during this period?
What was Sunni Ali's approach to governance in Songhay?
What was Sunni Ali's approach to governance in Songhay?
What was the name of the powerful Songhay emperor who ruled from 1493 to 1528?
What was the name of the powerful Songhay emperor who ruled from 1493 to 1528?
Where was the traditional frontier of Songhay and Mali located?
Where was the traditional frontier of Songhay and Mali located?
What was the name of the capital of the old Mali empire?
What was the name of the capital of the old Mali empire?
What was the name of the famous trading companies in Mali?
What was the name of the famous trading companies in Mali?
What was the extent of Mali's power by the end of the 15th century?
What was the extent of Mali's power by the end of the 15th century?
What was the significance of Sundiata Keita in the context of the Mali empire?
What was the significance of Sundiata Keita in the context of the Mali empire?
What was the name of the Songhay ruler who pillaged Niani in 1400?
What was the name of the Songhay ruler who pillaged Niani in 1400?
What was the purpose of the Mali emperor's ambassador to the Portuguese coast in 1534?
What was the purpose of the Mali emperor's ambassador to the Portuguese coast in 1534?
What was the state of the Empire of Mali when Sunni Ali became king of Gao and the Songhay lands in 1464?
What was the state of the Empire of Mali when Sunni Ali became king of Gao and the Songhay lands in 1464?
What was the primary means by which Sunni Ali united Western Sudan during his reign?
What was the primary means by which Sunni Ali united Western Sudan during his reign?
What groups did Sunni Ali fight against during his reign?
What groups did Sunni Ali fight against during his reign?
What was the significance of Sunni Ali's capture of Timbuktu?
What was the significance of Sunni Ali's capture of Timbuktu?
What religious disputes were at work in Timbuktu during Sunni Ali's reign?
What religious disputes were at work in Timbuktu during Sunni Ali's reign?
Why did the leading men of Timbuktu not fight hard against the Tuareg occupation?
Why did the leading men of Timbuktu not fight hard against the Tuareg occupation?
What was the significance of Sunni Ali's 34-year reign?
What was the significance of Sunni Ali's 34-year reign?
What was the result of Sunni Ali's campaign against the Tuareg?
What was the result of Sunni Ali's campaign against the Tuareg?
Sundiata Keita returned from ______ with an army.
Sundiata Keita returned from ______ with an army.
Sundiata's army was thought to be a ______ by Sumanguru.
Sundiata's army was thought to be a ______ by Sumanguru.
The battle between Sundiata and Sumanguru took place in ______.
The battle between Sundiata and Sumanguru took place in ______.
Sumanguru's witchcraft was less powerful than the witchcraft of ______.
Sumanguru's witchcraft was less powerful than the witchcraft of ______.
Sundiata's capital was located at ______, near the River Niger.
Sundiata's capital was located at ______, near the River Niger.
When Sundiata shouted, the warriors of Sumanguru fled to get behind ______.
When Sundiata shouted, the warriors of Sumanguru fled to get behind ______.
Sumanguru was struck with an arrow bearing the spur of a white ______.
Sumanguru was struck with an arrow bearing the spur of a white ______.
Sundiata became the master of a new ______ after defeating Sumanguru.
Sundiata became the master of a new ______ after defeating Sumanguru.
The name 'Mali' meant '_____________, where the king resides'.
The name 'Mali' meant '_____________, where the king resides'.
Sundiata Keita was not the first king of Mali, but rather ______________ was.
Sundiata Keita was not the first king of Mali, but rather ______________ was.
Sundiata Keita ruled the Mali Empire for approximately ______________ years.
Sundiata Keita ruled the Mali Empire for approximately ______________ years.
Uli, the son of Sundiata Keita, took the title of ______________, which translates to 'lord' in Mandinka language.
Uli, the son of Sundiata Keita, took the title of ______________, which translates to 'lord' in Mandinka language.
In 1298, the throne of the Mali Empire was seized by a ______________ of the court.
In 1298, the throne of the Mali Empire was seized by a ______________ of the court.
Mansa Kakan Musa ruled the Mali Empire from 1312 to ______________.
Mansa Kakan Musa ruled the Mali Empire from 1312 to ______________.
The empire of Mali repeated the achievements of Ancient Ghana, but on a larger ______________.
The empire of Mali repeated the achievements of Ancient Ghana, but on a larger ______________.
After 1400, the empire of Mali was ______________ to a close.
After 1400, the empire of Mali was ______________ to a close.
Sunni Ali became the king of Gao and the ______ lands in 1464.
Sunni Ali became the king of Gao and the ______ lands in 1464.
The Empire of ______ was nearing an end due to its weakness and confusion.
The Empire of ______ was nearing an end due to its weakness and confusion.
The Tuareg were raiding from the ______.
The Tuareg were raiding from the ______.
Sunni Ali made war often and with a ruthless ______.
Sunni Ali made war often and with a ruthless ______.
Sunni Ali drove the Tuareg out of ______.
Sunni Ali drove the Tuareg out of ______.
The leading men of Timbuktu had been strictly ______ for a long time.
The leading men of Timbuktu had been strictly ______ for a long time.
The qadi, or chief religious leader, tended to regard himself as the independent ruler of a ______ city.
The qadi, or chief religious leader, tended to regard himself as the independent ruler of a ______ city.
The leading men of Timbuktu did not seem to have fought very hard against the ______ occupation.
The leading men of Timbuktu did not seem to have fought very hard against the ______ occupation.
The Mali _______________________ was still a large and prosperous city.
The Mali _______________________ was still a large and prosperous city.
The famous Dyula companies were the most enterprising and successful _______________________ of all the western and central regions of West Africa.
The famous Dyula companies were the most enterprising and successful _______________________ of all the western and central regions of West Africa.
By the end of the 15th century, Mali had no power to the _______________________ of Segu.
By the end of the 15th century, Mali had no power to the _______________________ of Segu.
The traditional frontier of Songhay and Mali was still recognised as running through the region of _______________________.
The traditional frontier of Songhay and Mali was still recognised as running through the region of _______________________.
The traders of Mali traveled far and wide, across the _______________________ and through the forests.
The traders of Mali traveled far and wide, across the _______________________ and through the forests.
The powerful Songhay emperor, Askia Muhammad, ruled from _______________________ to 1528.
The powerful Songhay emperor, Askia Muhammad, ruled from _______________________ to 1528.
In 1400, the Songhay ruler of Gao is said to have pillaged _______________________ itself.
In 1400, the Songhay ruler of Gao is said to have pillaged _______________________ itself.
The Mali emperor sent an ambassador to the coast for help from the _______________________ in 1534.
The Mali emperor sent an ambassador to the coast for help from the _______________________ in 1534.
Sunni Ali punished them for their disloyalty to the ______ overlord.
Sunni Ali punished them for their disloyalty to the ______ overlord.
Jenne was a vital market center for the trade in ______, kola nuts, and other goods from the southern forest lands.
Jenne was a vital market center for the trade in ______, kola nuts, and other goods from the southern forest lands.
Sunni Ali died in November 1492 while returning from an expedition against the ______.
Sunni Ali died in November 1492 while returning from an expedition against the ______.
Muhammad Turay, who became ______ the Great, defeated and deposed Sunni Baru.
Muhammad Turay, who became ______ the Great, defeated and deposed Sunni Baru.
The leaders of the market cities in Songhay were mostly ______.
The leaders of the market cities in Songhay were mostly ______.
Sunni Ali tried to protect the interests of the ______ people of the towns and the interests of the non-Muslim people of the countryside.
Sunni Ali tried to protect the interests of the ______ people of the towns and the interests of the non-Muslim people of the countryside.
Sunni Ali extended siege to ______, the vital market center for the trade in gold, kola nuts, and other goods from the southern forest lands.
Sunni Ali extended siege to ______, the vital market center for the trade in gold, kola nuts, and other goods from the southern forest lands.
By 1476, Sunni Ali had the whole ______ region of the Middle Niger, and the west of Timbuktu under his control.
By 1476, Sunni Ali had the whole ______ region of the Middle Niger, and the west of Timbuktu under his control.
What was the main objective of the lesson on African empires and their role in the development of modern-day societies?
What was the main objective of the lesson on African empires and their role in the development of modern-day societies?
Who were the earliest people to put 'markers' on trans-desert caravan trails?
Who were the earliest people to put 'markers' on trans-desert caravan trails?
What was the peak period of the trans-Saharan trade?
What was the peak period of the trans-Saharan trade?
Which group of trails linked Morocco with West African markets along the Senegal River and the upper reaches of the Niger River?
Which group of trails linked Morocco with West African markets along the Senegal River and the upper reaches of the Niger River?
What was the impact of the rise of powerful Muslim states in North Africa on the trans-Saharan trade?
What was the impact of the rise of powerful Muslim states in North Africa on the trans-Saharan trade?
What was one of the important groups of trails across the desert between West and North Africa?
What was one of the important groups of trails across the desert between West and North Africa?
What was the outcome of the rise of a big coastal trade with Europeans around AD 1650?
What was the outcome of the rise of a big coastal trade with Europeans around AD 1650?
What was the significance of the trans-Saharan trade?
What was the significance of the trans-Saharan trade?
What was the main export of West Africa along the Sahara trade routes?
What was the main export of West Africa along the Sahara trade routes?
What was the significance of the route linking Kanem-Bornu with Darfur?
What was the significance of the route linking Kanem-Bornu with Darfur?
What was the primary import of West Africa from the Sahara trade routes?
What was the primary import of West Africa from the Sahara trade routes?
What was the role of the Ghana Empire in West Africa?
What was the role of the Ghana Empire in West Africa?
What was the significance of the location of the Ghana Empire?
What was the significance of the location of the Ghana Empire?
What was the outcome of the battle between the Portuguese and the Moroccans at Al-Ksar al-Kabir?
What was the outcome of the battle between the Portuguese and the Moroccans at Al-Ksar al-Kabir?
What was the primary function of the trails linking Tunisia and the Fezzan?
What was the primary function of the trails linking Tunisia and the Fezzan?
What was Sultan Mulay Ahmad's nickname after the battle of Al-Ksar al-Kabir?
What was Sultan Mulay Ahmad's nickname after the battle of Al-Ksar al-Kabir?
What was the significance of the route running west-east?
What was the significance of the route running west-east?
Why did Sultan Mulay Ahmad look to the Western Sudan?
Why did Sultan Mulay Ahmad look to the Western Sudan?
What was the outcome of Sultan Mulay Ahmad's initial raid on Taghaza?
What was the outcome of Sultan Mulay Ahmad's initial raid on Taghaza?
What was the primary language spoken in the West African trading states?
What was the primary language spoken in the West African trading states?
Who led the army that set out in December 1590 to attack the men of Songhay?
Who led the army that set out in December 1590 to attack the men of Songhay?
What was unique about the 4,600 strong army that set out in December 1590?
What was unique about the 4,600 strong army that set out in December 1590?
What was the target of Sultan Mulay Ahmad's military campaign in 1590?
What was the target of Sultan Mulay Ahmad's military campaign in 1590?
What was the motivation behind Sultan Mulay Ahmad's invasion of Songhay?
What was the motivation behind Sultan Mulay Ahmad's invasion of Songhay?
What was the reason for Timbuktu's failure to become the centre of an important state or empire?
What was the reason for Timbuktu's failure to become the centre of an important state or empire?
What was the significance of Timbuktu and Jenne in the context of the Songhay government?
What was the significance of Timbuktu and Jenne in the context of the Songhay government?
Who deposed Muhammad and took over the throne?
Who deposed Muhammad and took over the throne?
What was the outcome of Muhammad's rule?
What was the outcome of Muhammad's rule?
What was the significance of the market cities in Songhay during this period?
What was the significance of the market cities in Songhay during this period?
What was the status of Timbuktu when it was founded about eight hundred years ago?
What was the status of Timbuktu when it was founded about eight hundred years ago?
What was the main reason for the Tuareg's failure to conquer the Songhay?
What was the main reason for the Tuareg's failure to conquer the Songhay?
What was the significance of the trade cities in the context of the Songhay government?
What was the significance of the trade cities in the context of the Songhay government?
What was the primary role of Jenne in the context of West African trade?
What was the primary role of Jenne in the context of West African trade?
What was the common language and faith shared by the Dyula traders?
What was the common language and faith shared by the Dyula traders?
Which group of traders settled in towns like Kumbi, Timbuktu, and Gao?
Which group of traders settled in towns like Kumbi, Timbuktu, and Gao?
What was the significance of the Dyula traders in the West African trade network?
What was the significance of the Dyula traders in the West African trade network?
What was the main commodity, besides gold, traded by the Dyula traders?
What was the main commodity, besides gold, traded by the Dyula traders?
What was the outcome of the exchange of ideas between the traders of the Western Sudan and those of the forest lands?
What was the outcome of the exchange of ideas between the traders of the Western Sudan and those of the forest lands?
What was the geographical location of the forest lands in relation to the Western Sudan?
What was the geographical location of the forest lands in relation to the Western Sudan?
What was the significance of the trading activities in West Africa during this period?
What was the significance of the trading activities in West Africa during this period?
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Study Notes
Sundiata Keita and the Founding of the Mali Empire
- Sundiata Keita, the brother of the exiled king, returned with an army and gathered friends and allies to defeat Sumanguru, the ruler of the Sosso kingdom.
- Sundiata's army was mistaken for a mountain by Sumanguru, while Sumanguru's army was thought to be a cloud by Sundiata.
- The two armies engaged in a fierce battle, with Sundiata using witchcraft to defeat Sumanguru, who was struck by an arrow with a white cock's spur.
- After the victory, Sundiata became the master of a new empire, governing through powerful and able men who were the heads of leading Mandinka descent-lines.
The Rulers of Mali
- Barmandana was the first king of Mali, who ruled around 1050, became a Muslim, and made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Sundiata Keita, also known as Mari Diata, ascended to the throne of the Mali Empire in 1245 and ruled for approximately 25 years.
- Sundiata's son, Uli, took the title of Mansa and ruled from around 1260 to 1277.
- Uli's brothers, Wati and Khalifa, ruled the empire, but were weak kings who ruled badly.
- Abu Bakr ruled the empire until 1298, and was followed by Sakuru, a freed slave, who ruled from 1298 to 1308.
The Mali Empire's Achievements
- The Mali Empire repeated the achievements of Ancient Ghana, but on a larger scale.
- The empire was known for its grand system of imperial rule, which was respected by many peoples.
- The Mali mansa was considered the rightful overlord by many peoples.
- The traders of Mali, known as the Dyula companies, were the most enterprising and successful merchants in West Africa.
The Decline of the Mali Empire
- By 1400, the empire was drawing to a close, and the Songhay ruler of Gao pillaged Niani, the capital of the old empire.
- The Tuareg rushed into Timbuktu in 1431, and the Mali emperor's power began to decline.
- By the end of the century, Mali had no power to the east of Segu.
- The Mali emperor sent an ambassador to the Portuguese for help in 1534, but it was too late.
The Rise of the Songhay Empire
- Sunni Ali, also known as Askia the Great, was a powerful ruler who extended the Songhay Empire's control over the lake region of the Middle Niger and the west of Timbuktu.
- Sunni Ali died in 1492, and his son, Sunni Baru, was named ruler, but was defeated in battle and deposed by Muhammad Turay, who became Askia the Great.
- Askia the Great was a wise ruler who made concessions to Islam, but also protected the interests of the non-Muslim people of the countryside.
- Askia the Great made war often and with ruthless skill, never once defeated in his 34-year reign.
Sundiata Keita and the Founding of the Mali Empire
- Sundiata Keita, the brother of the exiled king, returned with an army and gathered friends and allies to defeat Sumanguru, the ruler of the Sosso kingdom.
- Sundiata's army was mistaken for a mountain by Sumanguru, while Sumanguru's army was thought to be a cloud by Sundiata.
- The two armies engaged in a fierce battle, with Sundiata using witchcraft to defeat Sumanguru, who was struck by an arrow with a white cock's spur.
- After the victory, Sundiata became the master of a new empire, governing through powerful and able men who were the heads of leading Mandinka descent-lines.
The Rulers of Mali
- Barmandana was the first king of Mali, who ruled around 1050, became a Muslim, and made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Sundiata Keita, also known as Mari Diata, ascended to the throne of the Mali Empire in 1245 and ruled for approximately 25 years.
- Sundiata's son, Uli, took the title of Mansa and ruled from around 1260 to 1277.
- Uli's brothers, Wati and Khalifa, ruled the empire, but were weak kings who ruled badly.
- Abu Bakr ruled the empire until 1298, and was followed by Sakuru, a freed slave, who ruled from 1298 to 1308.
The Mali Empire's Achievements
- The Mali Empire repeated the achievements of Ancient Ghana, but on a larger scale.
- The empire was known for its grand system of imperial rule, which was respected by many peoples.
- The Mali mansa was considered the rightful overlord by many peoples.
- The traders of Mali, known as the Dyula companies, were the most enterprising and successful merchants in West Africa.
The Decline of the Mali Empire
- By 1400, the empire was drawing to a close, and the Songhay ruler of Gao pillaged Niani, the capital of the old empire.
- The Tuareg rushed into Timbuktu in 1431, and the Mali emperor's power began to decline.
- By the end of the century, Mali had no power to the east of Segu.
- The Mali emperor sent an ambassador to the Portuguese for help in 1534, but it was too late.
The Rise of the Songhay Empire
- Sunni Ali, also known as Askia the Great, was a powerful ruler who extended the Songhay Empire's control over the lake region of the Middle Niger and the west of Timbuktu.
- Sunni Ali died in 1492, and his son, Sunni Baru, was named ruler, but was defeated in battle and deposed by Muhammad Turay, who became Askia the Great.
- Askia the Great was a wise ruler who made concessions to Islam, but also protected the interests of the non-Muslim people of the countryside.
- Askia the Great made war often and with ruthless skill, never once defeated in his 34-year reign.
Timbuktu and Jenne: Middleman Cities
- Timbuktu and Jenne were both middleman cities between traders of different regions.
- Timbuktu was a middleman city between the traders of the Western Sudan and those of the Sahara and North Africa.
- Jenne, on the other hand, was a middleman city between the traders of the Western Sudan and those of the forest lands to the south.
Importance of Jenne
- Jenne was a crucial link between the gold-producing forest lands and the wider trading network of the Western Sudan and North Africa.
- The city was a vital point for the trade of goods, including gold, kola nuts, and other products, between the forest lands and the caravan traders of Timbuktu and other trading centers.
Mandinka Traders and Dyula Trading Companies
- The Mandinka traders of Mali, also known as the Dyula or Wangara trading companies, played a significant role in the spread and activities of trade in the forest lands.
- These traders, united by their language, Islam, and experience, were a vital link between the gold-producing forest lands and the trading network of the Western Sudan and North Africa.
The North-South Trade
- The north-south trade within West Africa was a long-established and important route that connected the forest lands to the grassland plains to the north.
- This trade was facilitated by the movement of goods and people between the two regions, which led to the exchange of ideas and influences.
Trans-Saharan Trade
- The trans-Saharan trade began over 2,500 years ago, but it became more significant after the rise of powerful Muslim states in North Africa around AD 650.
- The trade reached its peak around AD 1500 and declined in importance after the rise of coastal trade with Europeans around AD 1650.
Key Terms
- Explain: to make an idea or situation clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts.
- Describe: to give a detailed account in words of something.
- Identify: to recognize or distinguish something, especially something considered worthy of attention.
- Location: a particular place or position.
- Ghana Empire: a West African empire based in modern-day southeast Mauritania and western Mali.
The Battle of Al-Ksar Al-Kabir
- The battle of Al-Ksar Al-Kabir was a decisive battle that took place in 1578, in which the Moroccans defeated the Portuguese.
- The battle led to the end of European conquest in North Africa and encouraged the Moroccans to turn their attention southward to the Western Sudan.
Sultan Mulay Ahmad and the Western Sudan
- Sultan Mulay Ahmad, also known as Mulay the Victorious, ruled Morocco after the battle of Al-Ksar Al-Kabir.
- He looked to the Western Sudan as a way to fill his empty purse and launched an army across the Sahara to attack Songhay in 1590.
- The army was led by a soldier named Judar and was composed of 4,600 picked men, but it was ultimately unsuccessful in plundering the wealth of Songhay.
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