1. By Brian Gibson, Tom Hallinan, Emily Dries and James Watters

2. Mali was located on four major trade routes in West Africa. Mali was located on four major trade routes in West Africa. Part of Mali was located on a fertile flood plain. Part of Mali was located on a fertile flood plain. Traded with others by using the Niger River. Traded with others by using the Niger River.

3. King Sundiata Keita led the Malinke in conquering the Sosso in 1235 AD and gained control of Saharan trade routes. King Sundiata Keita led the Malinke in conquering the Sosso in 1235 AD and gained control of Saharan trade routes. Kankan Musa ruled at Mali’s height, in the 14th century. Kankan Musa ruled at Mali’s height, in the 14th century.

4. Mali converted to Islam after Sundiata. Mali converted to Islam after Sundiata. Muslim scribes played an important role in government and administration. Muslim scribes played an important role in government and administration. The rich king Mansa Musa made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. The rich king Mansa Musa made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324.

5. Mali acquired control of salt trade and exported gold dust and agricultural produce to the North. Mali acquired control of salt trade and exported gold dust and agricultural produce to the North. In the 14 th century, Mali began using cowrie shells as a form of currency. In the 14 th century, Mali began using cowrie shells as a form of currency. European merchants established sea trade along the West African Coast. European merchants established sea trade along the West African Coast.

6. Mansa Musa was immortalized in descriptions of Arab writers when he made a great pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. Mansa Musa was immortalized in descriptions of Arab writers when he made a great pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. Ancient Mali built many great mosques. Ancient Mali built many great mosques. The capital, Timbuktu, was a center of trade, religion, and learning. The capital, Timbuktu, was a center of trade, religion, and learning.

7. What forces led to the rise of Ancient Mali? Mali’s important role in West African trade. Mali’s important role in West African trade. It’s location on the Niger River and on the West African coast made farming and trading possible It’s location on the Niger River and on the West African coast made farming and trading possible Timbuktu was a center of education and religion known throughout North and West Africa. Timbuktu was a center of education and religion known throughout North and West Africa.