1. African Kingdoms
Unit 4, SSWH 6 b

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

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

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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

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