Civilization · c. 1235 – 1670
Mali Empire
West African gold empire made famous by Mansa Musa.
Capital: Niani, Timbuktu · Sub-Saharan Africa
Overview
Founded by Sundiata Keita after his victory at Kirina, the Mali Empire controlled the Saharan gold and salt trade and, under Mansa Musa's 1324 hajj, became legendary throughout the Islamic world.
Timeline
- 1235Battle of Kirina; empire founded
- 1312 – 1337Reign of Mansa Musa
- 1324Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca
- c. 1400Timbuktu becomes major Islamic scholarly center
- c. 1670Absorbed by Bamana kingdom
Rulers
Founder
Fabulously wealthy pilgrim
Wars & conflicts
- Wars with the Songhai
- Wars with the Mossi
Architecture
Sudano-Sahelian mudbrick mosques (Djenné), Sankore university.
Religion
Islam among rulers and merchants; traditional religions widespread.
Economy
Trans-Saharan gold and salt trade; taxed caravan routes.
Technology
Djenné brick construction, Timbuktu manuscript production.
Art
Djenné terracotta figures, gold jewelry, illuminated manuscripts.
Influence
Timbuktu's libraries preserved centuries of Islamic and West African scholarship.
Decline
Rise of Songhai and internal succession disputes.
Key sites
- Djenné
- Timbuktu
- Niani (Guinea)