Mali Empire

Mali Empire was an empire in Sahara and Sahel (North and West Africa) that lasted from c. 1235 to 1670 CE, about 435 years. Its people spoke Niger-Congo languages (Mande, Yoruba, Akan, Fula, Wolof, Igbo (non-Bantu)).

Mandinka empire founded by Sundiata Keita that controlled the gold fields of Bambuk and Bure. Mansa Musa's lavish pilgrimage of 1324 made it famous in Europe, and Timbuktu became a seat of learning.

See Mali Empire on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates

c. 1235 to 1670 CE

Duration

435 years

Type

Empire

Region

Sahara and Sahel, North and West Africa

Language family

Niger-Congo

Capital

Niani

Came from

• Sosso Kingdom c. 1180 to 1235 CE

Became

• Songhai Empire 1464 to 1591 CE

Events in North and West Africa during its time

• 1235 Battle of Kirina
• 1324 Mansa Musa's pilgrimage
• 1347 Black Death reaches Egypt
• 1482 Portuguese build Elmina
• 1529 Battle of Shimbra Kure
• 1591 Battle of Tondibi

Neighbours in North and West Africa

• Ethiopian Empire (Solomonic dynasty) 1270 to 1974 CE
• Mamluk Sultanate 1250 to 1517 CE
• Songhai Empire 1464 to 1591 CE
• Makuria c. 450 to 1312 CE
• Kingdom of Benin c. 1180 to 1897 CE
• Kanem Empire c. 700 to 1387 CE
• Bornu Empire c. 1387 to 1893 CE
• Oyo Empire c. 1400 to 1836 CE
• Ife c. 1000 to 1420 CE
• Hafsids 1229 to 1574 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

• Republic of Venice c. 697 to 1797 CE, Europe
• Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
• Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
• Swahili city-states c. 800 to 1700 CE, Central and Southern Africa
• Holy Roman Empire 962 to 1806 CE, Europe
• Srivijaya c. 650 to 1377 CE, Southeast Asia
• Khmer Empire 802 to 1431 CE, Southeast Asia
• Ottoman Empire 1299 to 1922 CE, Europe
• Ottoman Empire 1299 to 1922 CE, Middle East
• Portuguese Empire 1415 to 1999 CE, Europe

Questions