Mali Empire (jan 1, 1235 – jan 1, 1670)
Description:
The Mali Empire, founded by the lion prince Sundiata, taxed almost all of the trade in West Africa. Using this wealth, Mansa Musa, Sundiata's grand-nephew, built many mosques and Islamic schools to appeal to the Muslim trading community, as well as introducing a centralized government. Islam was not forced on those living in Mali, but Mansa Musa himself was a Muslim, having performed the Hajj. The Mali Empire eventually collapsed due to internal fighting of government factions, invasions from neighboring kingdoms, and invasions led by nomads. The tradition of the centralized rule established by Mansa Musa would continue to affect the way West African Kingdoms were ruled. (3.1)(3.2)Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 1235
jan 1, 1670
~ 435 years