The Mali Empire, also known as the Manden Kurufaba, was a powerful West African empire that thrived from the 13th to the 17th century. It was one of the largest empires in African history, known for its wealth, particularly in gold, and its cultural and intellectual achievements.
Founding and Expansion
- Founding: The Mali Empire was founded by Sundiata Keita, who led the Mandinka people to victory over the Sosso Empire in the Battle of Kirina around 1235 AD. This victory marked the beginning of the empire's expansion.
- Expansion: Under Mansa Musa in the 14th century, the empire reached its territorial peak, extending over modern-day Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Niger, Burkina Faso, and parts of Mauritania.
Golden Age
- Mansa Musa: Perhaps the most famous ruler, Mansa Musa is known for his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, during which he distributed so much gold that it devalued the currency in Cairo and Medina. His reign is often cited as the golden age of the Mali Empire, marked by significant development in education, architecture, and the spread of Islam.
- Timbuktu: During this period, Timbuktu became one of the world's greatest centers of learning and culture, attracting scholars from across the Islamic world.
Governance and Society
- Political Structure: The empire was a federation of states, each with its own ruler, but all were subject to the overarching authority of the Mansa, the emperor. The Mansa was supported by a council of ministers and local governors.
- Economy: The economy was based on agriculture, trade, and mining, especially gold mining. The Trans-Saharan Trade routes were crucial, linking Mali to North Africa and beyond.
Decline
- Internal Strife: After the reign of Mansa Musa, the empire faced internal disputes over succession, which weakened its central authority.
- External Pressures: The rise of the Songhai Empire in the 15th century posed a significant threat, leading to the eventual conquest of much of the Mali Empire's territory.
- Portuguese Influence: The arrival of the Portuguese on the West African coast in the late 15th century disrupted the traditional trade routes, further diminishing the empire's economic power.
Legacy
The Mali Empire left an enduring legacy in West African history, influencing the region's politics, culture, and economy. Its memory is preserved in the Griot tradition, where stories and histories are passed down orally. The empire's influence on the spread of Islam, its architectural achievements like the Great Mosque of Djenné, and its contributions to scholarship are still celebrated today.
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