Mali, trading empire that flourished in western Africa from the 13th to the 16th century. The Mali empire developed from the state of Kangaba, on the upper Niger River east of the Fouta Djallon, and is said to have been founded before 1000 ce .
When was the kingdom of Mali founded by?
From the 13th to 17th century, West Africa was home to the great Mali Empire. Established by King Sundiata Keita , the kingdom united several smaller, Malinké Kingdoms near the Upper Niger River.
Who founded the kingdom of Mali?
The Empire of Mali was one of the largest empires in West African History, and at its height, it spanned from the Atlantic Coast to central parts of the Sahara desert [i]. The Empire was founded in 1235 CE by the legendary King Sundiata [ii ] and lasted until the early 1600s CE [iii].
When was the Mali Empire established and when did it collapse?
The Mali Empire ( 1240-1645 ) of West Africa was founded by Sundiata Keita (r. 1230-1255) following his victory over the kingdom of Sosso (c. 1180-1235).
When did the Mali Empire end?
The Empire of Mali was established around 1235 CE. It began to lose power in the 1400s and fully collapsed in 1600 CE .
What was the kingdom of Mali known for?
The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita (c. 1214 – c. 1255) and became renowned for the wealth of its rulers, especially Mansa Musa (Musa Keita) . ... At its peak, Mali was the largest empire in West Africa, profoundly and widely influencing the culture of the region through the spread of its language, laws and customs.
What did Mali used to be called?
What is present-day Mali became a part of French West Africa, although its borders were modified repeatedly and its name was changed as well. For most of its existence, the territory was known as the French Sudan and headed by either a governor or a lieutenant governor.
What was Mansa Musa’s kingdom called?
Mansa Musa (Musa I of Mali) was the ruler of the kingdom of Mali from 1312 C.E. to 1337 C.E. During his reign, Mali was one of the richest kingdoms of Africa, and Mansa Musa was among the richest individuals in the world.
How did Mali become so poor?
Malnutrition issues, lack of education and conflict are the main causes of poverty in Mali. The average wage in Mali is $1.25 per day, and more than half of the population currently lives below the international poverty line. This contributes to Mali being one of the least developed countries in the world.
What is the history of Mali?
Mali began as a small Malinke kingdom around the upper areas of the Niger River. It became an important empire after 1235 when Sundjata organized Malinke resistance against a branch of the southern Soninke, who made up the center of the older kingdom of Ghana.
How did the Mali Empire make money?
The wealth of ancient Mali was based on trade , particularly the trans-Sahara trade. Control and taxation of trade pumped wealth into the imperial treasury and sustained the Mali Empire’s existence. The most profitable commodities traded were gold and salt.
What was the largest African empire?
The most powerful of these states was the Songhai Empire , which expanded rapidly beginning with king Sonni Ali in the 1460s. By 1500, it had risen to stretch from Cameroon to the Maghreb, the largest state in African history.
What was the culture of the Mali Empire?
From the nomadic Tuareg, Fulani, Bozo fishers, Bambara, and Dogon farmers , each of Mali’s dozens of ethnic groups have their own unique languages and history, yet generally interact amicably with each other. Each of these has passed down their own traditions, history and occupations over the centuries.
How did Islam affect Mali?
The tolerance shown by Muslims toward traditional religious practices helped Islam to spread. Early leaders of Mali accepted Islam, but they didn’t follow all of its teachings. In 1312, a new leader, Mansa Musa, took over in Mali. He became the first West African ruler to practice Islam devoutly.
Who introduced Islam to Mali?
The most famous of them was Mansa Musa (1307-32). He made Islam the state religion and in 1324 went on pilgrimage from Mali to Mecca. Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca showed up in European records because of his display of wealth and lavish spending.
What did the kingdom of Mali trade?
In the ancient empire of Mali, the most important industry was the gold industry , while the other trade was the trade in salt. ... Other items that were commonly traded included ivory, kola nuts, cloth, metal goods, beads, and also human beings in the slave trade.
