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Sundiata: The Lion King Prince of the

Mandinka people, who were conquered by cruel Susu.

In 1230, he conquered the Susu people.

Under Sundiata, Mali prospered.

Died in 1255.

Improvements in Mali Mansa Sundiata

improved agriculture (farming) Used the soldiers to

clear farmland and organize the farmers.

Raised beans, onions, rice, millet & sorghum

Introduced cotton, used to make cool clothes.

What did Mali trade?

Gold SaltThe dotted lines are

trade routes from Mali to

other parts of Africa

What else did they trade?

Copper Ivory Cloth

Kola Nuts Slaves Books Shells

Camels, the ships of the desert, traveled in caravans bringing to Mali:

Why was Salt Important? Mali often traded its

gold for salt. Salt was sometimes

more valuable than gold!

People’s bodies need salt to live. In the desert

heat, salt is lost through perspiration.

Salt was used to preserve food.

Salt was brought in large slabs (coins).

MiniFact: The picture behind these words is also a slab of SALT!

The man is holding a slab of salt mined recently near Timbuktu

Government To control his

growing power, Sundiata took power away from the local leaders called Mansas. He also took the title of Mansa for himself.

The Mansa of Mali had both religious and political power

It was the Mansa’s responsibility to ensure the success of his people by keeping the ancestors happy!

Mansa Musa Several kings ruled

after Sundiata’s death.

Mansa Musa was grandson of Sundiata.

He became the greatest king of Mali in 1312.

Under Mansa Musa, Mali became a great trading center.

Many people in Mali converted to Islam but Mansa Musa did not force them to.

MiniFact: Mansa means Emperor or King

Mansa Musa’s Hajj Mansa Musa was a devout Muslim. He decided to make the ‘hajj’ to Mecca. Mansa Musa crossed Africa to reach

Mecca. He took a huge caravan with him in

1324. He had 100 camels each carrying 300 lbs of gold. 60,000 men traveled with him.

After that, everyone knew about the wealth of Mali.

Timbuktu A very important

city in Mali Center of

learning for Muslims

Universities and schools

Largest trading center in Mali

On the Niger River

Trade Food Washing

Timbuktu

19th century traders in Timbuktu

Fall of Mali Weak leaders after

the death of Mansa Musa.

Empire was too large for government to control.

Invaders attacked and seized Timbuktu.

Gradually, people living on the edges of Mali’s empire broke away.