Mali began as one of the districts in the Kingdom of Ghana. Around 1230 CE, Ghana collapsed and Mali took over. In time, they grew to be larger than Ghana!

The new king, Sundiata, was young and clever. He was a very good king. One of the first things he did, when he became king after Ghana collapsed, was to restore trade with the neighbors. He recognized that trade was critical to Mali's survival and growth. 

He expanded Mali so that Mali controlled some of the gold mines to the south and some of the salt mines in the north. His son Wali continued his good works, and expanded the borders of the empire even more.

His grandson, Mansa Musa, has intrigued people for hundreds of years. His adventures are legendary! 

Mansa Musa loved knowledge and poetry. Under the direction of Mansa Musa, a university was built at Timbuktu, a city on the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, in ancient Mali.This university became a famous center of learning. People came from all over to study there.

Quick Look

Time Period: The empire of Mali had its heyday from 1200 CE through the late 1400's. 

Major Export: Gold and Salt