WHI-Chap19-Sundiata
Sundiata, the lion prince of Mali, reigned from 1230-1255 C.E. He built the Mali empire after being exiled from his hometown. During his exile, he had made alliances with local rulers, gained a good reputation for courage in battles, and gathered a large army with a prominent cavalry. By 1235, the Mali Empire embraced Ghana and neighboring kingdoms in the regions around the Senegal and Niger rivers. Sundiata established a capital city at Niani, which attracted merchants looking for gold, and honored Islam by setting up mosques and providing comfort for Muslim merchants. The story of Sundiata and his formation of the Mali Empire remains famous today because it is a popular tale told by griots. The story shows us about African culture and customs at this time.
T&E page: 490
Created by: Hannah Worscheh
