SOL 3 2 The Ancient Empire of Mali
- Slides: 8
SOL 3. 2 The Ancient Empire of Mali -A Map of Mali Located South of Europe and in the Northwest of Africa
The Empire of Mali • Africa was home to several great empires. • One of the most prosperous (wealthy) countries was Mali. • Mali was a wealthy trading empire before Columbus sailed to America in 1492.
Storytellers • Storytellers (Griots) were important to Mali because they told the history of the country and the people to each generation. • Storytellers passed on traditions and stories from one generation to another led by Mali was once ru l kings! rich and powerfu
Leaders of Mali • The kings of Mali were rich and powerful men who controlled trade in West Africa. I will let you trade in our country. • Mali became one of the largest and wealthiest empires and was an important trade center.
Trade • Mali was between the trade routes of the Sahara Desert where there was salt, and West Africa which had gold mines. • Salt was a natural resource found in the desert. People used salt for preserving food and for their health. • Miners found gold in West Africa. • Salt was traded for gold.
Timbuktu • Timbuktu was an important city in Mali. • It had a famous university with a large library of Greek and Roman books.
Physical Characteristics • • Mali is located in West Africa. It is near rivers. The climate is desert-like. There are gold mines.
Human Characteristics • The people were: • farmers miners traders
