Mali Empire | History, Rulers, Downfall, Map, & Facts

Where was the Mali Empire situated?

Western Africa was the home of the Mali Empire. It expanded finally 1,200 km from the city of Gao to the Atlantic Ocean after developing along the Niger River. The Sahara Desert was just south of its northern border. It covered parts of Mali, Niger, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, and The Gambia, which are contemporary African nations.

When was the Mali Empire in power?

The Mali Empire was founded about 1235 CE. It started to lose influence in the 1400s and completely fell apart about 1600 CE.

How did the Empire initially start?

A king by the name of Sundiata Keita brought the Malinke tribes together, creating the Empire of Mali. The Soso’s reign was then overthrown under his leadership. As the Mali Empire grew stronger over time, it conquered neighboring countries, including the Empire of Ghana.

Government

The Mansa, the Mali Empire’s emperor, presided over its administration. The empire was then split up into provinces, each of which was governed by a ferba. A significant portion of the government was influenced by Islam, and many of the bureaucrats were Muslim scribes.

The Culture of Mali

The majority of these groups were seen as belonging to the Mande peoples, despite the fact that the Mali Empire was home to numerous tiny tribes and cultural groupings. The Mande peoples had comparable civilizations and linguistic traits. Castes were created to separate people. The farmers were one of the most revered castes. Due of their ability to provide food, farmers were valued highly. The craftspeople were immediately below the farmers. Fishermen, scribes, government employees, soldiers, and slaves were among the other categories.

Islam played a significant role in the Mali Empire. The monarchs, or Mansas, did not compel their subjects to convert to Islam despite the fact that they had done so. Many people followed a kind of Islam that blended Islamic principles with regional customs.

Musa Mansa

Mansa Musa was arguably the most well-known Mali Emperor. Mansa Musa rose to fame as a result of his opulent journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Mecca is the holiest city for Muslims, and in 1324, Mansa Musa made the decision to travel there on a pilgrimage.

Mansa Musa is supposed to have traveled on his trip with as many as 60,000 people because he was so wealthy. He also brought gold-laden camels. With his vast entourage and extravagant display of wealth, Mansa Musa must have left quite an impression throughout his journey. Mansa Musa traveled, gave away and spent a lot of gold, but he also returned to Mali with a lot of fresh ideas. This included a variety of academics who helped him advance his empire, including architects, poets, and teachers.

The Decline of the Mali Empire

The Mali Empire started to wane not long after Mansa Musa’s reign came to an end. The empire started to lose power near its boundaries in the 1400s. The Songhai Empire then gained power in the 1500s. Mahmud IV, the final Mansa, passed away in 1610, marking the end of the Mali Empire.

Interesting information about the ancient Mali Empire

Mansa Musa may have been the most wealthy person in history, according to some historians.

Mali’s gold and salt mines provided much of the country’s wealth.

Niani served as the empire’s capital. The cities of Timbuktu, Gao, Djenne, and Walata were also significant ones.

Important trade routes from the Mali Empire through the Sahara Desert to Europe and the Middle East were under its control.

The renowned Sankore University was located in Timbuktu, which was regarded as a hub of learning.