The Mali Empire: History and Founding

Geography and Founding

• Located in West Africa, covering modern-day Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, and parts of Mauritania, Guinea, and Burkina Faso
• Founded in the 13th century by Sundiata Keita, a Mandinka king
• Capital city: Niani, located on the Niger River

Golden Age (13th-15th centuries)

• Peak of power and prosperity under Mansa Musa I (1307-1332)
  • Famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca, bringing back architects, scholars, and Islam
  • Established trade networks with North Africa and the Middle East
• Mali Empire became a center of Islamic learning and culture
• Timbuktu, a major trading center, became a hub of Islamic scholarship

Economy and Trade

• Gold and salt were major exports
• Trans-Saharan trade routes connected Mali to North Africa and the Middle East
• Merchants traded goods such as ivory, kola nuts, and cloth
• The empire's wealth and power relied on control of the Niger River and its trade routes

Decline and Legacy

• Decline began in the 15th century due to internal conflicts, external threats, and the rise of neighboring empires
• The empire was eventually divided into smaller kingdoms, including the Songhai Empire
• The Mali Empire's legacy includes:
  • Spread of Islam in West Africa
  • Development of the Niger River trade network
  • Cultural and architectural achievements, such as the University of Sankore in Timbuktu

Geography and Founding

• Located in West Africa, covering modern-day Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, and parts of Mauritania, Guinea, and Burkina Faso
• Founded in the 13th century by Sundiata Keita, a Mandinka king
• Capital city: Niani, located on the Niger River

Golden Age (13th-15th centuries)

• Peak of power and prosperity under Mansa Musa I (1307-1332)
• Famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca, bringing back architects, scholars, and Islam
• Established trade networks with North Africa and the Middle East
• Mali Empire became a center of Islamic learning and culture
• Timbuktu, a major trading center, became a hub of Islamic scholarship

Economy and Trade

• Gold and salt were major exports
• Trans-Saharan trade routes connected Mali to North Africa and the Middle East
• Merchants traded goods such as ivory, kola nuts, and cloth
• The empire's wealth and power relied on control of the Niger River and its trade routes

Decline and Legacy

• Decline began in the 15th century due to internal conflicts, external threats, and the rise of neighboring empires
• The empire was eventually divided into smaller kingdoms, including the Songhai Empire
• The Mali Empire's legacy includes:
  • Spread of Islam in West Africa
  • Development of the Niger River trade network
  • Cultural and architectural achievements, such as the University of Sankore in Timbuktu

Mansa Musa's Early Life and Reign

• Born around 1280 AD, grandson of Sundiata Keita, founder of the Mali Empire
• Became emperor in 1307 AD after the death of Abubakari II

Reign and Achievements

• Ruled the Mali Empire from 1307 to 1332 AD
• Expanded the empire's territories, conquering several neighboring kingdoms
• Established trade routes and diplomatic relationships with other kingdoms and empires
• Encouraged Islamic education, building several mosques and madrasas
• Commissioned the construction of the famous Djingareyber Mosque in Timbuktu

Pilgrimage to Mecca

• Made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 AD, traveling with a large retinue
• Brought back scholars, architects, and experts to develop the empire's infrastructure and education system
• Distributed gold and other gifts lavishly, causing a temporary depreciation of gold in Egypt

Legacy

• Considered one of the richest men in history due to the empire's vast gold reserves
• Established the University of Sankore in Timbuktu, one of Africa's oldest and most prestigious universities
• Inspired many African leaders, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in Mali and beyond