WHI-Chap19-Obj3
What were the characteristics of the Kingdom of Mali?
The Kingdom of Mali was built by Sundiata. Sundiata reigned the empire from 1230- 1255. Sundiata's capital was Niani. The Mali empire benefited largely from trans-saharan trade. The good location of the Mali empire enabled them to use the Niger river to transport goods. The Mali empire was surrounded by good farmland which helped lead to a more stable economy. The Mali empire grew and prospered by monopolizing the gold trade and developing the resources along the Niger River. The empire prospered from the taxes that were collected on the trade. All goods passing in and out were taxed. All of the gold nuggets belonged to the king but the people could own gold dust. Mali prospered only as long as there was good leadership. One of the most well known was Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa reigned from 1312 to 1337. Mansa Musa supported Islam and in 1324 made his pilgrimage, or hajj to Mecca. Mansa Musa brought scholars to teach Islam and built mosques. Timbuktu became a major cultural and commercial center. The Mali empire declined due to weak leaders, invasions, and the expansion of the Songhai empire.
Created by Annie Duncan
