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West AfricaAfricaMajor empire

Mali Empire

c. 1235 – c. 1610 CE · about 375 years approximate dates

The Mali Empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became one of the largest and wealthiest states of West Africa. Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Makkah in 1324 became famous for its gold, and Timbuktu grew into a centre of Islamic scholarship. It was overtaken by Songhai in the 15th century.

Key facts

Datesc. 1235 – c. 1610 CE
RegionWest Africa
ContinentAfrica
CapitalsNiani, Kangaba
FounderSundiata Keita
Religion(s)Sunni Islam, Traditional African religion
Peak extent≈ 1.1 million km² (c. 1380 CE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Ghana Empire

Followed by

Songhai Empire Empire of Great Fulo Jolof Empire Kaabu

Sources

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.