Empire of Mali The History of Sundiata and

Empire of Mali The History of Sundiata and Mansa Musa

Sundiata & Mansa Musa Sundiata: of Mande people; Founder of Mali Empire- Griots have been telling the Epic of Sundiata for over 900 years (mix of history & legend) He took political power from local leaders, mansa’s, and took the name with it Mansa Musa: most famous ruler who brought wealth, fame, and power to the kingdom of Ghana Grandson of one of Sundiata’s sisters (matrilineal tradition)

Mali Empire

Strengths of Mali 1. Trade: Conquered nearby kingdoms o Controlled the Salt and Gold Trade 2. Agriculture: Improved and introduced new crops; cotton used for clothing & trade o Increase of slavery in order to work the newly developed lands o Sundiata first est. this system and Mansa Musa continued its prosperity

Spread of Islam- The Hajj Mansa Musa 1 st devout Muslim ruler in W. Africa Spread of Islam led to popularity of the pilgrimage 60, 000 -80, 000 people (servants) accompanied Mansa on his journey to Mecca (1324) 100 camel loads of gold

Outside Views of Mali Mansa Musa’s elaborate journey sparked interest in Mali and many people from Asia, Egypt, and other parts of Africa visited Created greater wealth, popularity, interest, and overall cultural diffusion By 1375 Mali appeared on a European map of West Africa

Map from 1375 shows King Mansa Musa enthroned in the kingdom of Mali.

Cultural Significance of Islam in W. Africa Sent scholars to study in Morocco in order to set up school in Mali studying the Qur’an Wanted Muslims to read/write in Arabic as main language in government, & trade Hired architects from other Muslim countries to build mosques throughout his empire

Timbuktu: The City of Gold Tuareg nomads from Sahara first est. Timbuktu in 11 th c. Once conquered by Mali became an important location as a link between N. and W. Africa. Important center for trade: salt, gold, cloth, sugar, kola nuts, glass beads, and shells, slaves, books… Several mosques were built by Mansa Musa & later rulers=center of Islamic learning

Fall of Empire Weak leadership: Maghan took over after Mansa Musa’s death, could not stop raiders who set fire to Timbuktu’s great schools & mosques Mali grew too large for gov’t to control, parts began to break away and declare independence Invaders: Tuareg nomads seized Timbuktu in 1431 By 1500’s Mali empire was dismantled