ANCIENT MALI LOCATION the Ancient Empire of Mali Was Located in Western Africa

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ANCIENT MALI LOCATION The ancient Empire of Mali was located in Western Africa. It developed along the Niger River and spread across 1,200 miles from the city of Gao to the Atlantic Ocean. It was just south of the Sahara Desert and covered the present-day countries of Mali, Niger, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, and Gambia. Mali’s capital city was Niani. Timbuktu, Gao, Djenne, and Walata were other important cities. Timbuktu was considered the center of learning. The famous Sankore University was located there. ESTABLISHMENT The ancient Empire of Mali was established around 1235. A ruler named Sundiata Keita united the tribes of the Malinke peoples. The Mali Empire became stronger, taking over surrounding kingdoms, including Ghana. The Mali Empire was extremely wealthy due to its gold and salt mines. They controlled important trade routes across the Sahara Desert to Europe and the Middle East. CULTURE There were many small tribes and cultural groups within the Mali Empire that were considered part of the Mande peoples. They spoke similar languages and had similar cultures. The Mande were divided into castes, with one of the most respectable being farmers. They were highly regarded since they provided food. Artisans were just below farmers. Other castes included fishermen, scribes, civil servants, soldiers, and slaves. Islam was important to the Mali Empire. The Mansas, or kings, had converted to Islam, but did not force their people to convert. Most people practiced a version of Islam combining local traditions with Islamic beliefs. MANSA MUSA One of the most famous Mali Emperors was Mansa Musa. He became famous because of his lavish trip to Mecca. It is the holy city of the Muslims located in Saudi Arabia. Mansa Musa took a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. He was said to be extremely wealthy and brought as many as 60,000 people with him on his pilgrimage. He took camels loaded with gold. Mansa Musa most likely made quite the impression during his trip with all his followers and display of wealth. He gave away and spent a large amount of gold during his trip, but brought back many new ideas to Mali. He also returned with a number of scholars including architects, poets, and teachers who helped improve the Empire of Mali. FALL The Mali Empire began to grow weak after the rule of Mansa Musa ended. It started to lose control along the edges of its borders in the 1400s. The Songhai Empire rose to power in the 1500s. The Mali Empire officially came to an end in 1610 after the death of the last Mansa, Mahmud IV. ©Teaching to the Middle Name______ANCIENT MALI MATCHING: Match each term with its description. 1. _____ Sundiata Keita A. Mali took over this other empire

2. _____ Timbuktu B. Mali was wealthy due to these mines

3. _____ Africa C. Famous emperor of Mali

4. _____ Sahara D. United the tribes of the Malinke peoples

5. _____ Ghana E. Ancient Mali was located on this continent

6. _____ Gold F. Considered the center of learning

7. _____ Mansa Musa G. Holy City of Islam

8. _____ Mecca H. Ancient Mali was just south of this desert

TRUE OR FALSE?: Place a check in the correct column. STATEMENT T F

9. Mansa Musa was extremely wealthy.

10. The Mali Empire fell after the death of Sundiata Keita.

11. Mali controlled important trade routes over the Sahara Desert.

12. Mali’s kings forced their people to convert to Islam.

13. Mansa Musa took a pilgrimage to Mecca.

14. Sankore University was located in Gao.

15. The Songhai Empire rose to power in the 1500s.

16. The Mali Empire was extremely wealthy.

17. Soldiers were the most respected in the Mali Empire.

18. The religion of Islam was important in ancient Mali.

19. Which of the following is NOT a present-day country where the Mali Empire was located? A. Gambia B. Niger C. Guinea D. Niani

20. Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement about Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca? A. He traveled to Saudi Arabia in a caravan of people. B. He took massive amounts of gold with him on his trip. C. He gave away all his wealth while on his pilgrimage. D. He brought several scholars home with him.

21. Which of the following was the most highly regarded in Mali Empire? A. Farmers B. Scribes C. Fishermen D. Artisans

22. What is the main reason the Empire of Mali was wealthy? A. They took over surrounding empires. B. They raided surrounding empires for gold. C. They had several gold and salt mines. D. They converted to Islam.

23. How did Mansa Musa mainly become famous? A. He was known for taking over the Empire of Ghana. B. He defeated the Songhai when they came into power. C. He took an elaborate pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. D. He expanded the wealth of Empire of Mali.