100 Questions
What was the social background of some of the king's important officials in the Mali empire?
Some came from families who 'belonged' to the king because they had lost their civic rights, usually through being captured in wars.
Why did Mali have a more complex government system compared to Ghana?
Due to the rapid increase in population.
What were some of the factors that contributed to the decline of the Mali empire?
The spread of metal-working, trade, ideas of kingship, strong central government, pressures of wealth and trading rivalry.
What was the motivation behind the rebellion of the city of Gao against the Mali empire?
They wanted to get rid of taxes and believed they could do better on their own.
What was the characteristic of Mansa Musa that allowed him to successfully hold the empire together?
Supreme skill at the centre.
What was the assessment of Mansa Mari Diata II's rule by Ibn Khaldun?
He was 'a bad ruler who oppressed the people, depleted the treasury, and nearly pulled down the structure of the government'.
What were some of the troubles that the Mali empire faced around 1400?
Gao rebelled, Tuareg nomads seized Walata and Timbuktu, and the peoples of Takrur and its neighbouring lands, including the Wolof, threw off their subjection to Mali.
What region of the empire began to harass the emperor's governors and garrisons?
The south-western region, especially what is now the modern Republic of Upper Volta.
What was the traditional frontier of Songhay and Mali recognized to be during the time of Askia Muhammad?
Through the region of Sibiridugu, astride of the upper Niger, near the river-city of Segu.
What was the profession of the famous Dyula companies, and where did they trade?
Merchants, and they traded across the plains and through the forests, even on the distant coast of central Guinea.
What happened to Niani, the capital of the old empire, by 1400?
The Songhay ruler of Gao pillaged Niani.
What did the Mali emperor do in 1534 to try to regain power?
He sent an ambassador to the coast for help from the Portuguese.
What was the status of the Mali emperor's power within his homeland by the end of the century?
He could seldom do more than stand aside and let things happen.
What was the significance of the river-city of Segu in the context of the Mali Empire's decline?
It marked the eastern boundary of the Mali Empire's power by the end of the century.
What was the pilgrimage Mansa Musa undertook in 1324?
A pilgrimage to Mecca
What was the result of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage on the reputation of Mali?
Mali was recognized as a world power
Who did Mansa Musa bring back with him from Egypt after his pilgrimage?
Learned men (scribes)
What was the architectural innovation introduced to West Sudan during Mansa Musa's reign?
Building houses with bricks
How did Mansa Musa's government accommodate both Muslims and non-Muslims?
He opened a court for Muslims alongside other courts for non-Muslim subjects
What was the characteristic of the governors appointed by the kings of Mali?
They were the heads of local descent-lines
What was the capital of the Mali Empire, according to Leo Africanus' description?
Niani
How did Mansa Musa's pilgrimage affect the spread of Islam in West Sudan?
It facilitated the spread of Islam and its civilization
What was the system of governance used by the kings of Mali, similar to the Ghana Empire?
Ruling through governors who were heads of local descent-lines
What is the meaning of the name 'Mali' and how did it originate?
The name 'Mali' means 'where the king resides' and it originated from absorbing the name Kangaba, giving birth to the empire of Mali.
Who was the first king of Mali and what is notable about his rule?
The first king of Mali was Barmandana, who is said to have ruled around 1050 and became a Muslim, making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
What was Sundiata Keita's role in the empire of Mali, and how long did he rule?
Sundiata Keita was the founder of Mali and ruled for approximately 25 years, doing great deeds.
What was the title taken by Uli, the son of Sundiata Keita, and what did he do during his rule?
Uli took the title 'mansa', which translates to 'lord' in Mandinka language, and followed the conquering footsteps of his father, also making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
What was notable about the rule of Sakuru, who seized the throne of the Mali Empire in 1298?
Sakuru was a freed slave of the court who proved himself as one of Mali's strongest rulers, holding power until 1308.
What was achieved by Mansa Kakan Musa, who ruled the Mali Empire from 1312 to 1337?
Mansa Kakan Musa was a great ruler who ruled the Mali Empire from 1312 to 1337, achieving significant success during his reign.
What was the state of the Mali Empire by the period of 1400?
By the period of 1400, the empire of Mali was drawing to a close.
Both Timbuktu and Jenne were ______ trading centres.
big
Jenne was a middleman city between the traders of the Western ______ and those of the forest lands to the south.
Sudan
The Berber traders of the ______ settled in towns like Kumbi and Timbuktu and Gao.
Sahara
The Mandinka traders of ______ pushed down into the forest lands and settled there as buying-and-selling agents.
Mali
These Dyula traders each group or company united under its ______ by common language, Islam, and experience.
Dyula-Mansa
The goods were carried by men, and were bought and sold by men; and all these men met and talked, discussed and exchanged ideas, and influenced one another through many ______.
centuries
It was through Jenne that the goods of North Africa increasingly reached ______ into the forest lands.
southward
The Berbers who lived more than 2,500 years ago put the earliest markers on _______________ caravan trails.
trans-desert
The trans-Saharan trade reached its height around _______________.
AD 1500
One group of trails across the desert was in the far west, linking _______________ with West African markets.
Morocco
The aim of this lesson is to understand the trace of _______________, fully describe how modern-day societies were built.
governance
By the end of this quarter, every student will be able to describe the impacts of _______________ Empires on modern-day societies.
African
The trade lost much of its importance after the rise of a big coastal trade with _______________ round the shores of West Africa.
Europeans
The earliest markers on trans-desert caravan trails were put there by Berbers who lived more than _______________ years before now.
2,500
A third group of trails was further east, linking ______ and the Fezzan with the markets of Kanem-Bornu.
Tunisia
West African exports along these routes were ______, ivory, and other products, as well as domestic servants who were treated as slaves.
gold
The most important West African imports were ______ and copper, but these imports also included many luxury goods for privileged and wealthy people.
salt
West African trading states were linked by ______ that connected them to the markets of North Africa and the Middle East.
trade routes
The ______ Empire was a West African Empire based in modern-day southeast of Mauritania and western Mali.
Ghana
The ______ languages were spoken by the people of the West African trading states, including the Mande people.
Mande
The Sahara ______ routes connected West Africa to the markets of North Africa and the Middle East.
trade
Historians have called this one of the decisive battles of the ______.
world
The Portuguese had invaded ______ with an army of 25,000 men.
Morocco
Mulay Ahmad was at once named ______, the Victorious.
Mansur
Sultan Mulay the Victorious began by nibbling at ______ power.
Songhay
The army led by Judar was composed of ______ picked men.
4,600
Half of the army was infantry armed with ______, the most up-to-date weapon in the world of that time.
arquebuses
Judar was a soldier named by origin a ______ Christian who had accepted Islam.
Spanish
The army set out in ______ 1590 to attack the men of Songhay in their own homeland.
December
The Western Sudan had acquired a great reputation throughout North Africa under ______ Dawud.
Askia
What was discovered at the village of Sané, near the ancient city of Gao on the middle reaches of the Niger River?
Tombstones of kings who had ruled over Gao many centuries ago
What did the inscriptions on the tombstones reveal about the kings who had ruled over Gao?
All of the above
What was notable about the kings who had ruled over Gao, as revealed by the inscriptions on the tombstones?
They had become Muslims
What was the significance of the discovery of the tombstones in the village of Sané?
All of the above
What was the material of the tombstones discovered at the village of Sané?
Spanish marble
In what year did one of the kings who ruled over Gao die, according to the inscriptions on the tombstones?
AD 1100
What was the significance of the tombstones discovered at the village of Sané in the context of the history of West Africa?
They provided the oldest examples of writing so far known in West Africa
What did the inscriptions on the tombstones reveal about the trading links of the kings who had ruled over Gao?
They had extensive trading links with North Africa
Which West African empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and known for its prolific trade networks?
Mali Empire
What was the primary role of the Berber traders in West Africa?
To facilitate trade between North Africa and West Africa
Which language family was spoken by the people of the West African trading states, including the Mande people?
Mande
What was the significance of the trans-Saharan trade routes in West Africa?
They facilitated trade between North Africa and West Africa
Which West African trading state was based in modern-day southeast of Mauritania and western Mali?
Mali Empire
What was the primary commodity traded by the West African trading states?
Gold
Which group of traders were known for their expertise in navigating the Sahara trade routes?
Berber traders
What was the significance of the city of Jenne in the context of West African trade?
It was a key hub for the trans-Saharan trade
What was the traditional frontier of Songhay and Mali recognized to be during the time of Askia Muhammad?
The region of Sibiridugu-astride of the upper Niger
What was the profession of the famous Dyula companies?
Traders
What was the result of the Tuareg's rush into Timbuktu in 1431?
Mali had no power to the east of Segu
What was the status of the Mali emperor's power within his homeland by the end of the century?
He could seldom do more than stand aside and let things happen
What did the Mali emperor do in 1534 to try to regain power?
He sent an ambassador to the coast for help from the Portuguese
What was the significance of the river-city of Segu in the context of the Mali Empire's decline?
It was the traditional frontier of Songhay and Mali
What was the characteristic of the traders of Mali, the famous Dyula companies?
They were the most enterprising and successful merchants
What was the region where others began to harass the emperor's governors and garrisons?
The south-western region of the empire
What was the outcome of the attempt to build an empire out of the ruins of Ghana?
It met with no better fortune than the Berber efforts led by Abu Bakr.
Where did the Fulani people originate from?
The lands near the upper waters of the Niger and Senegal Rivers
What was the occupation of the Fulani people?
Cattle-keeping farmers
Who was the most successful leader of the Fulani people?
Sumanguru
What was the significance of the year 1203 in the history of the Fulani people?
Sumanguru seized the capital of Ghana, Kumbi Saleh.
What was the relationship between the Fulani language and the languages of Senegal?
The Fulani language was related to the languages of Senegal.
What was the significance of Takrur in the history of the Fulani people?
It was an independent state of the Fulani people.
What was the outcome of the Almoravid Berbers' invasion of Ghana?
The Ghana empire was weakened.
What was the primary reason why the diamond companies limited their supply to the market?
To prevent the price of diamonds from falling
Why was West African gold important to Europe and North Africa?
It was the primary source of gold for centuries
What was the impact of the Almoravids' invasion on the Ghana Empire?
It resulted in a period of confusion
What was the primary reason for the prosperity of the Western Sudan states?
Their ability to control the supply of gold
What was the significance of the river-city of Segu in the context of the Mali Empire's decline?
Not mentioned in the text
What was the primary role of the Berber traders in the Sahara trade?
They were the middlemen between West African and North African traders
What was the impact of the rise of a big coastal trade with Europeans on the Sahara trade?
It led to the decline of the Sahara trade
Which of the following languages were spoken by the people of the West African trading states?
Mande languages
Study Notes
The Structure of the Mali Empire
- The king had important officials who did not come from important families, some of whom came from families that "belonged" to the king due to having lost their civic rights, usually through being captured in wars.
- These officials, or "kings' men," began to gain more power over time.
The Decline of the Mali Empire
- The success of the empire was also a reason for its decline, as the spread of metal-working and trade, and the growth of ideas of kingship and strong central government, led to increased wealth and rivalry.
- Many peoples in West Africa began to desire independence and self-governance, leading to rebellions and the eventual decline of the empire.
The Rulers of Mali
- Sundiata Keita was the founder of Mali, but not the first king; Barmandana, who ruled around 1050, was the first king.
- Sundiata Keita ruled from 1245 to 1270 and was succeeded by his son, Uli, who took the title "Mansa" (meaning "lord" in Mandinka language).
- Other notable rulers of Mali include Abu Bakr, Sakuru, Mansa Qu, Mansa Muhammed, and Mansa Musa.
The Achievements of Mali
- Mali repeated the achievements of Ancient Ghana, but on a larger scale.
- The empire was known for its strong trade networks, with merchants traveling far and wide across West Africa.
- Mali's rulers were also known for their diplomatic and trading relations with the Portuguese.
The Government of Mali
- The empire was ruled by kings who were the heads of important descent-lines or families.
- Governors, who were also heads of local descent-lines, ruled different parts of the empire called provinces.
- These governors were privileged people due to their birth.
Mansa Musa
- Mansa Musa was a great ruler of Mali who ruled from 1312 to 1337.
- He made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, bringing back learned men and scholars from Egypt.
- He built new mosques and a palace, and introduced the fashion of building houses with bricks in the territory of West Sudan.
- He also established ambassadors in the Kingdom of Morocco, Egypt, and other places, and supported the religion of the Mandinka people and Islam.
Trading Centres
- Timbuktu, Gao, and ancient Kumbi and Takrur were middleman cities between Western Sudan and Sahara/North Africa traders.
- Jenne was a middleman city between Western Sudan traders and those from the forest lands to the south.
Mandinka Traders
- The Mandinka traders of Mali, also known as the Dyula or Wangara trading companies, pushed into the forest lands and settled as buying-and-selling agents.
- They were a vital link between the gold-producing forest lands and the wide trading network of Western Sudan and North Africa.
- They dealt in many goods, including kola nuts.
Trans-Saharan Trade
- The trans-Saharan trade began a long time ago, with the earliest markers on trans-desert caravan trails established by Berbers over 2,500 years ago.
- The trade became more important after the rise of powerful Muslim states in North Africa around AD 650.
- It reached its height around AD 1500 and lost importance after the rise of a big coastal trade with Europeans around AD 1650.
Trade Routes
- Three important groups of trails across the desert connected West and North Africa:
- West: Morocco to West African markets along the Senegal River and upper Niger River.
- Center: Algeria to West African markets on the middle reaches of the Niger River.
- East: Tunisia and the Fezzan to the markets of Kanem-Bornu.
West African Exports and Imports
- Exports: gold, ivory, domestic servants treated as slaves, and other products.
- Imports: salt, copper, luxury goods, including horses, fine cloths, silk garments, steel weapons, and books for Muslim scholars.
Key Terms
- Explain: to make an idea or situation clear 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.
Rise and Fall of the Mali Empire
- The king of Portugal was unable to help the Mali Empire, and only sent messengers and gifts to his ally Mansa Muhammad II.
The Empire of Songhay
- Songhay is a people from the Middle Niger region who built a big empire in the past.
- Archaeological discovery at Sané, near the ancient city of Gao, revealed old tombstones of Spanish marble with Arabic characters, showing that Gao was a strong state ruled by prosperous kings by the 11th century.
- These kings had become Muslims and had extensive trading links with North Africa.
- The tombstones provided the oldest examples of writing in West Africa and the only certain knowledge about the foundations of the state of Gao.
The Ghana Empire
- The Ghana Empire was a strong trading state that formed in the north of the upper waters of the Niger River.
- The empire was formed by the Soninke and Berbers, who were traders.
- The empire was famous for its prolific trade networks.
- The Ghana Empire began to decline, and its traditional frontier with the Songhay Empire was still recognized as running through the region of Sibiridugu.
The Successor States of Ghana
- The Ghana Empire broke up into smaller states, including Takrur, Diara, and Kaniaga.
- The Fulani people, who were a West African people of a somewhat different physical stock, played a significant role in the formation of these states.
- The Fulani were cattle-keeping farmers who originated in the lands near the upper waters of the Niger and Senegal Rivers.
- They took control of the kingdom of Diara and seized Kumbi Saleh, the capital of Ghana, in about 1203.
Gold Trade
- The old emperors of Ghana controlled the gold trade in West Africa.
- West African gold was important to Europe as well as to North Africa and the Near East.
- The gold used in North Africa and Europe was largely supplied by the producers of West Africa.
- The states and empires of the Western Sudan founded their prosperity on the steady demand for gold.
The Fall of the Ghana Empire
- The Ghana Empire fell apart after the Almoravid Berbers invaded and pillaged Niani, the capital of the empire.
- The empire's last kings had authority over only a few of its former provinces.
- The fall of the Ghana Empire led to a period of confusion before the rise of the Mali Empire.
Discover the inner workings of the Mali Empire, including the role of the king's officials and the factors that led to its decline. Explore the impact of metal-working, trade, and ideas of kingship on the empire's downfall.
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