Download - The Ancient cCvilization of Mali
The Ancient Civilization ofMali
By: Joao, Ryan, Tom
Today, Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, but it’s history is rich and
vast, dating back to the 14th Century
Mali was once part of the three famed West African Empires, which included:
•Mali•Songhai•Ghana
A map of the 3 Western African Empires
The ancient civilization of Mali was located on the lower part of
Western Africa, near the Niger River
Under the powerful rule of the great Mali Empire, cities like
Djenne and Timbuktu developed
The Great Mosque of Djenne was built out of mud for weary traveler's who
wished to speak with God
During it’s peak, Mali controlled trans-Sahara trade along with Ghana and Songhai (Trans-Saharan Trade is any trade that goes through the Saharan
Desert)
The trans-Saharan trade route was Mali’s main income source, which gave
the region rich trade and powerful rulers
Mali was formed by Sundiata, it's most known leader. Mali also
greatly developed under Mansa Musa, who influenced Mali’s
Golden Age and many Africans to become Muslims
Beneath is a depiction of Sundiata, while on the right is a portrait of Mansa Musa
The rich trade allowed Mali to gain hold over the salt trade. Mali also
had many professional traders, who exported gold dust and agricultural produce north to
Europe
A caravan of camels with salt on their backs
Wherever there is trade, currency is needed. And for that they used Cowrie shells
which were also used for taxation
Mali became very important after 1235, but it’s first city (Jenne-Jeno)
developed in 200 B.C.
Mali’s decline started in the 14th century, when trans-Saharan trade
became worthless, due to European sea trade
Overall Mali was once a great empire of great wealth and filled
with riches, but decline was unavoidable when European sea
trade eliminated their biggest source of income