Kingdom of Mali A.D. 1200 - 1450

Location Upper Niger Valley West African savanna Present-day Mali, Mauritania and Senegal

Where we locate the Kingdom of Mali

The Rise of Mali Factor One: Fall of Ghana The decline of the Ghana Empire allowed for new leadership. Factor Two: Invasion Sundiata’s Rebellion in 1235.

Sundiata Declared himself Mansa (Ruler) Conquered surrounding areas and increased the size of the kingdom Took control of the salt and gold trade Developed a set of laws for the people to follow

Mansa Musa Musa became mansa after his grandfather’s (Sundiata) death. Expanded the kingdom further. Made Islam the official religion.

Musa’s Hajj Mansa Musa made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. When he travelled, with him came… Soldiers whose swords hung from gold chains and rode horses decorated with gold. Thousands of slaves, each dressed in silk and carrying a staff made of gold. Dozens of camels, each carrying 300 pounds of gold.

Mansa Musa’s Gold Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage made Mali famous. People were amazed by the amount of gold that he and his officials traded and gave away. So much gold was distributed that its value actually decreased, especially in Egypt.

Mali: Center of Learning Mansa Musa’s hajj also created new ties between Mali and other Muslims Mansa Musa used these ties to make Mali a center of learning

Mali: Center of Learning Built universities, libraries and mosques Attracted poets, writers and scholars Taught religion, mathematics, medicine and law

Mali’s Decline When Mansa Musa died, Mali’s power faded No other leader was powerful or influential enough to hold the kingdom together Raiders attacked from the north and fighting broke out within the kingdom Several provinces broke away and became independent

Review How did Sundiata help Mali become the most powerful kingdom in West Africa? What was the result of Mansa Musa’s trip to Mecca? How did Mansa Musa help make Mali a center of learning? Why do you think Mali’s power began to fade after Mansa Musa died?