Much of the recorded information about the Mali Empire comes from 14th-century Tunisian historian Ibn Khaldun, … See more

In the first millennium BC, early cities and towns were founded along the middle Niger River, including at Dia which reached its peak around 600 BC, and Djenne-Djenno, which lasted from around 250 BC to 900 AD. By the … See more

As founded by Mari Djata, it was composed of the "three freely allied states" of Mali, Mema and Wagadou plus the Twelve Doors of Mali.
The Twelve Doors of Mali were a coalition of conquer… See more

During the peak of the kingdom, Mali was extremely wealthy, particularly due to trade in gold.
Trade was a significant factor to the rise and success of Mali. Its height coincided with the per… See more

The number and frequency of conquests in the late 13th century and throughout the 14th century indicate the Kolonkan mansas inherited and/or developed a capable military. Sundjata is credited with at least the initial or… See more