During his exile in Mema, Sunjiata earned the favor of the king. He acquired great strength and skill and was offered the position as heir to the Mema throne.
There was continuous turmoil within the empire caused by a tyrant, the ruler of the Ghana Empire, Soumaoro, King of the Sosso. Soumaoro attacked Niane, and enforced a reign of terror. One of Sunjiaa's sisters who remained in Niane became Soumaoro's wife.
The village that Sunjiata once called home, was demolished and the misplaced villagers sought to bring Sunjiata back home to restore the order. His mother, Songolon persuaded him to return to Niane and defend his people. Shortly after his departure, she died.
It was time for Sunjiata to fulfill his prophecy.
The King of Mema, granted him the gift of an army to assist him in his task of taking back the throne from Soumaoro. Sunjiata embarked on his mission, fighting small battles along the way, his army grew bigger and bigger. Sunjiata's sister, wife of Soumaoro got wind of her brother's plan, and used magic to create a taboo to weaken her husband.
1235 was the auspicious year, Sunjiata raised his army and lead the uprising to overthrow Soumaoro, this was known as the battle of Kirina.
Sunjiata's army defeated Soumaoro and successfully captured the Ghana empire.
There was continuous turmoil within the empire caused by a tyrant, the ruler of the Ghana Empire, Soumaoro, King of the Sosso. Soumaoro attacked Niane, and enforced a reign of terror. One of Sunjiaa's sisters who remained in Niane became Soumaoro's wife.
The village that Sunjiata once called home, was demolished and the misplaced villagers sought to bring Sunjiata back home to restore the order. His mother, Songolon persuaded him to return to Niane and defend his people. Shortly after his departure, she died.
It was time for Sunjiata to fulfill his prophecy.
The King of Mema, granted him the gift of an army to assist him in his task of taking back the throne from Soumaoro. Sunjiata embarked on his mission, fighting small battles along the way, his army grew bigger and bigger. Sunjiata's sister, wife of Soumaoro got wind of her brother's plan, and used magic to create a taboo to weaken her husband.
1235 was the auspicious year, Sunjiata raised his army and lead the uprising to overthrow Soumaoro, this was known as the battle of Kirina.
Sunjiata's army defeated Soumaoro and successfully captured the Ghana empire.
Victorious in the battle of Kirina, Sunjiata was crowned king of Mali, which also adapted the empire of ancient Ghana. Sunjiata established the official empire of Mali in 1235. The capital city of the Mali empire was Niane, birthplace of Sunjiata.
As the founder of the grand empire, Sunjiata focused on building the economy and strengthening social relations throughout Mali and its neighboring countries. The Mali empire was expanded under Sunjiata's rule, acquiring territories in Senegal, Ghana, and northern Nigeria. Sunjiata reigned peacefully over his empire, and advocated advances in agriculture. Farmers of this time began to cultivate crops such as sorghum, rice, cotton. grains, and nuts. They also domesticated chickens and goats. Sunjiata, first King of the Mali empire, retired from his throne in 1240. He died in 1255, from what was said to have been a hunting accident. , |
The Mali Empire covered what is modern day Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Cote D'Ivoire, and parts of Mauritania, and northern Nigeria. Ghana was also under Mali occupation for a portion of time. The unification of territories within the empire were headed by Mansas, kings. The Mali Empire spread language, arts, ideas, and traditions throughout ancient West African civilizations. The Mali Empire lasted until the mid-1400's. The territories within the empire separated into independent countries of their own; and Mali became the country it is today. Mali is still strategically placed in the heart of West Africa, along the Niger river.
Located on the Niger river, Mali was the epicenter for trade throughout West Africa. Merchants outside of the territory would trek in caravans using domesticated horses and camels. The two main resources traded by the Mali Empire were salt and gold. Trade routes to and from Mali stretched into Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The need for gold and the accessible routes led more and more northerners into Mali.
Mali was under Islamic influence as early as the 800's due to the trade interactions with Moroccan Berbers and the Tuaregs of Mauritania. Islam was adapted and practiced initially by kings and nobles. Though during the glorious age of the Mali Empire, certain Mansas embraced and decreed it, the religion of the people, encouraging all citizens to convert to Islam. Laws were set to implement Islamic doctrine. Mosques, and schools for Islamic teachings were resurrected throughout the empire. |
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