The empire of Mali existed in western Africa in the 13-15 centuries, and its possessions stretched from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the interior of the Sahara in the east. The founder of the empire was Sundiata Keita, who, after successful military campaigns, captured vast territories and became the head of the people Mandinka. The first ruler of the empire of Mali led the state since 1230.
An interesting story is the story of one of the rulers of the empire of Mali, Abu Bakr II, who had a passion for navigation. For the sake of his craving for everything new and unknown, he renounced power, left the throne and headed the flotilla, which went on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean around 1310. According to contemporaries, the fleet consisted of a large number of ships and was well equipped for a long journey.
After the disappearance of the navigator, the empire of Mali was headed by Mansa Musa, under whom the country achieved its highest prosperity. After Mansa Musa made a trip to the Middle East, in this region, according to eyewitnesses, there was a depreciation of gold, so many gold he it with him. Mansa Musa, traveling with a retinue of thousands, generously endowed the hosts with gold. Famous thinkers, poets and architects of that time, most of whom settled in Timbuktu, came with the ruler. The city has become not only the largest center of trade, but also a place of concentration of scientists and educators. During this period, madrasas - educational institutions - were built here.
Internal contradictions have repeatedly led to coups, but the empire of Mali for many years managed to maintain its integrity and to resist external aggression from neighboring states. But at the beginning of the 15th century, nomad raids and confrontation with neighboring states weakened the empire, and by the middle of the century, it had already become part of a powerful neighbor - the Songhai state.
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