What was the Mali Empire?

What was the Mali Empire?

What was the Mali Empire? Mali became one of the largest empires in Africa (1230–1670 CE). Its people referred to their empire as Manden Kurufaba or Manden. Mali rose to power after the Ghana Empire. Eventually, the Songhai Empire succeeded the empire.

At the present time, the empire spanned the modern-day countries of Guinea, The Gambia, northern Burkina Faso, Senegal, northern Ghana, western Niger, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, the Ivory Coast, and southern Mauritania.

Above all the empire, heavily influenced culture, religion, laws and customs, and language throughout the western region. By comparison, the history of the empire’s origins differs from scholars, travelers, and oral traditionalists.

The Beginning

Sosso Empire conquered the Malinka kingdom and oppressed its people. As a result, Sundiata Keita, a Malinke Prince, united the people and led a successful revolt on the Sosso Empire at around 1234 CE. After defeating the Sosso, Sundiata gave their newly formed empire the name Mali. The name Mali means ‘the place where the king lives”. Subsequently, Sundiata became the first king and conquered the territories of the declining Ghana empire.

The Mali people referred to their rulers by the title “Mansa” meaning King, in the Mandinka language. After Sundiata’s death, his successors further expand the empire. The kings maintained dominance by control of a large and centralized army of men and cavalry. Over 20 million people lived within the empire at its peak.

 

What was the Mali Empire Capital?

Sundiata established the city of Niani as the Capital of the empire. Some researchers debate the location of the Capital city. Niani is said to be one of the most likely locations for the Capital.

What was the Mali Empire Religion?

Traditional African religions were widespread in the empire. Eventually, Islam became the dominant religion. In addition, Islam grew the empire to a western hub for the Islamic faith.

What was the main language spoken in the empire?

The Manding languages were the main languages spoken in the empire. Some major languages were Malinké, Mandinka, and Fulani.

What was the Empire famous for?

The city of Timbuktu was a famous center of learning. Mansa Musa became one of the wealthiest leaders in history.  His pilgrimage to Mecca around 1324 displayed his enormous wealth. The magnitude of his gifts and gold caused significant inflation in Egypt and surrounding regions.

What did the Mali Empire trade?

The empire’s trading wealth was primarily from the vast goldfields it controlled. The most popular form of currency within the Mali empire was gold, salt, copper, and cowries.

What caused the fall of the Mali Empire?

Poor leadership and civil wars were the catalysts to the caused the fall of the empire. As a result, it gradually lost power and influence. In addition, competing trade routes and centers developed around Africa. Finally, the rise of the Songhay Empire ultimately ended its dominance. The last recorded city to be conquered was Niani by the Bamana Empire around 1670.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mali Empire was one of African’s best historical contributions. Mandinka oral traditions and documents from travelers are the source of historical information. One fact is that the Mande-speaking peoples living in modern-day Mali have lived in that area since the days of the Mali Empire. There is much more to learn about this great civilization. Finally, I encouraged you to learn more and share with the world.