Mali means "hippopotamus" or "where the king resides". 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 a very good king. He was young and strong, courageous and clever. He  kept the drums and storytellers busy with tales of his achievements and accomplishments. Sundiata the Hero was soon nicknamed the Lion King. 

Strength: He built a strong military to protect the routes. He had his army clear farmland to help the people get back on their feet. He introduced cotton.

Trade: During the war with Ghana, trade had just about disappeared. Trade was the way to wealth and he knew it. He sent messengers out across Africa saying, "The invaders are gone! Let us open up the trade routes!" And they did. Muslim merchants and scholars began to come to Mali.

Religious Freedom: He was a Muslim. He believed in one god - Allah. But he offered his people religious freedom. He allowed his people to worship many gods in the tradition African way. 

Reduction of Slavery: He allowed slaves to work for their freedom and to become an important part of the new Kingdom of Mali. If you were bright and capable and hard working and honest, he wanted you on his team. 

He took a kingdom and made it an empire. He ruled for 25 years, and his people loved him.

The Ancient West African Kingdom of Mali

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