African Kingdoms Unit 4, SSWH 6 b

Sudanic Kingdoms Located South of the Sahara, west coast. Founders were Mande-speaking people

Kingdoms/Empires were built off of gold Most important trade routes shifted westward & created major trading empire – Mali

Sundiata Mali’s first great leader Gained power by crushing a cruel, unpopular leader Became Mali’s mansa – emperor

Increased the Mali empire by conquering the kingdoms: Ghana and trading cities: Kumbi & Walata A great leader during peace time – had government run by administrators

Promoted agriculture & reestablished the gold-salt trade Niani, capital of Mali, becomes important center for trade & commerce

Mansa Musa Muslim ruler who followed Sundiata Built mosques, attended public prayers, & supported the preaching of Muslim holy men Went to Mecca as a part of his Muslim duties: Haji

A skilled military leader, controlled gold-salt trade Under his control Mali doubled in size

Used governors to rule in far off provinces Mali’s empire declines because of several poor leaders after Musa dies