The+Rise+of+the+Mali+Empire

** __The Rise of The Mali Empire by Emily Shera__ ** There are a number of very important things that can be learned from the rise of the (Manding, Mansa) Mali Empire. The (Manding, Mansa) Mali Empire (best known for the stories of Timbuktu and the great “Lion King” Sunjatta) will always have a place in history for the following reasons

The Rise of the (Manding, Mansa) Mali Empire was caused, like many others, by the decline of another. Mali rose from what was once called the great empire of Ghana. Mali had been a small state inside of the Ghanaian empire for many years. During the height of Ghana's power the Mandinka lived in scattered villages ruled by village chiefs. Mandinka political strength and unity eventually was brought about by racial outburst against the oppressive rule of Sumanguru Kante, the Serahule ruler who conquered Mandinka territory after his rule in Kumbi. It was when the vastly scattered Mandingo community finally came together to resist the oppressive rule of Sumanguru Kante, that the Mandinka found their national hero Makhara Makhang Konate, otherwise known as Sunjatta Kieta. Sunjatta raised a strong army and entered Jeriba the capital of Kangaba, and seized the throne. With the defeat of Sumanguru Kante by Sunjatta's forces at the famous battle of Kirina in 1235 AD the Mali Empire was born. I believe that the world today could learn a lot from this example. The Mandika people felt that they were being oppressed and stood up for themselves and there beliefs. This tends to be something that often does not happen as much anymore. Nowadays, people tend to conform or compromise rather than standing up for there own individual beliefs and trying to make a change for the better.

The mysterious legend of Timbuktu is one known by most people and in most places. During the peak of the ancient Mali Empire, Timbuktu was one of the most important Cities. It was the center of trade in Africa Timbuktu's history mirrors the rise and decline of civilizations in the area. Prosperity made by the trans-saharan trade routes brought great wealth to the city. This wealth attracted not only merchants and traders but also number of men with academic and religious learning. Eventually the city of Timbuktu developed into an extremely important intellectual and spiritual center of the Islamic world, attracting people from as far away as Saudi Arabia to study there. Mosques, universities, schools, and libraries were built under the Mali and Songhay Empires, some of which luckily still stand today. Although all these places are constantly being restored unfortunately they are soon to be in disrepair. My hope these great accomplishments will not be forgotten and the legend of Timbuktu will still be passed on. I believe that there is a lot to be learned from the development and prosperity of such a successful place. Timbuktu thrived for many years without any issues or conflict and should be admired for doing so. Although presently trade in the world seems stable and balanced I think that there is a lot of room for growth and consideration that can and should be done in the future.

In conclusion, the Mali Empire definitely has to be one of the most heard of cultural far away place known to man. Despite its distance from the modern day world people still manage to talk about and reference it to this date. With its great success in areas such as economics, arts, and politics many historians revere it. Looking back at successful productive civilizations such as Mali should give us some insight on what things we can do in the future to make the world a better place. BACK