1. GEOGRAPHY The empire was strategically located between gold mines in the west and the agriculturally rich Niger River. The empire was strategically located between gold mines in the west and the agriculturally rich Niger River. The northwestern region of the empire extends into the Sahara desert, In the central and southern areas, the Niger River has an annual flood cycle. The northwestern region of the empire extends into the Sahara desert, In the central and southern areas, the Niger River has an annual flood cycle. It was the second of three West African empires to emerge in the savanna grasslands. It was the second of three West African empires to emerge in the savanna grasslands.

2. MANSA MUSA Mali Most Famous Ruler Musa ruled from 1312- 1337 A.D. Musa ruled from 1312- 1337 A.D. Being a Muslim he Being a Muslim he made a pilgrimage to Mecca, bringing thousands of followers and hundreds of camels carrying gold. During the pilgrimage he gave out so many gifts and bought so much that the value of gold in Egypt and Arabia fell for twelve years. During the pilgrimage he gave out so many gifts and bought so much that the value of gold in Egypt and Arabia fell for twelve years.

3. VOCABULARY Empire – a state controlling other states. Empire – a state controlling other states. Trading Center - Trading Center - a general market established by traders in a heavily populated region. Mansa – Ruler Mansa – Ruler Pilgrimage - Pilgrimage - religious journey, religious expedition.