The empire of Mali started as a small chiefdom called KANGABA with the capital Jeriba. When sundiata keita defeated sumanguru in 1235, he seized the small village of Kangaba under the control of the Ghana Empire and formed the Mali Empire with the capital NIUMI. The Mali Empire was therefore made of Kangaba and part of the Ghana Empire hence destroying the Ghana Empire.
Reasons for the rise of the Mali Empire
- Fertile soil:
Mali was situated at the center of the rich savanna grass land good for farming to produce enough food to feed the large population.
- Good temperature:
The empire had favourable climate which was good for settlements at Africa lure, this attracted many people to settle in the empire.
- Natural resources
Mali had many rich mineral sites, they got money from selling these minerals such as Gold and used to develop and expand the size of the empire.
- The defeat of sumanguru
When sumanguru captured Kumbi-Saleh, he introduced oppressive rules which were hated by the people in 1235AD, Sundiata Keita returns from exile and defeated Sumanguru at the battle of KIRINA. By 1240AD, Sundiata had completed the capture of Ghana which led to the birth of the Mali Empire.
- Able leaders
The leaders of Mali were able, determined and efficient in their qualities for instance; Sundiata ruled with wisdom, Courage and Bravery to keep the people in the empire.
- Ready army
Mali had and kept a strong and powerful army that was ready to defend and protect the empire from external attacks.
The rulers of Mali Empire
- SUNDIATA KEITA
He was also called Mari jata meaning the LORD OF LIONS. He ruled Mali from 1234-1255 AD.
- MANSA ULI
He was the son of Sundiata keita and succeeded his father when he died. He ruled from 1255-1275 AD.
- MANSA SAKURU
He ruled Mali from 1275-1300 AD and extended the boundaries of the Mali Empire.
- MANSA MUSA
He was the greatest ruler of the Mali Empire due to his achievements. He worked a lot for the growth of the Mali Empire. He led from 1300-1337 AD.
- MANSA MAGHAN
He was the shortest ruler of the empire as he didn’t rule for long.
- MANSA SULEMAN
He tried to expand the empire but failed and made people to respect the hours of prayers stated in the Koran.
- MANSA MARIDIATA II
He was a bad ruler and dictator in 1373 AD, he died of sleeping sickness.
The economic life of the Mali Empire
The people of Mali were blessed with two economic activities; Agriculture and Trade. With fertile soil the people grew; millet, cotton, rice and sell the surplus and also feed their immediate family to better their living conditions. They also practiced trade with their main trading item being gold. This gold was sold to both Europe and African countries like Egypt and Saudi Arabia especially during pilgrimage to Mecca which brought to them huge money to feed and shelter for their families.
Factors that led to the fall of the Mali Empire
- The vast nature of the empire and the absence of strong leadership after the rule of Mansa Suleman. A civil war broke after the rule of Mansa Suleman which greatly weakened the empire.
- The successions quarrels and disputes were common in Mali because succession laws in Mali were not well defined and this contributed greatly to the fall of Mali.
- The empire of Mali was attacked by external enemies who wanted to get their own share of Mali’s riches. The Touaregs, Mossi and Songhai attacked Mali to gain territories and to control her wealth.
- The end of the Mali Empire was completely marked when the Songhai Empire completely annexed Mali in 1546 AD.
