At its height of power during the 14th century, the Mali Empire ruled over an area larger than western Europe. In the 1400s, the empire began to lose control along the edges of its borders. Then, in the 1500s, the Songhai Empire rose to power. The Mali Empire (known also as the Manding Empire or Manden Kurufa) was a state that dominated West Africa between the 13th and 17th centuries. Musical Instruments Archaeological evidence indicates that this region had highly developed urban centers as early as 200 B.C. The Mali Empire came to an end in 1610 with the death of the last Mansa, Mahmud IV. Following the death of Mansa Musa around 1337, the declination of the empire began. In 1235, the Ghana Empire collapsed and the Islamic Mali Empire ascended to rule. The Hajj projected the wealth of Mali which attracted a lot of Islamic traders, this improved the economic condition more. Learn more about the Mali empire here. Mali is home to some of the most beautiful, and successful, contemporary music in Africa. This route weaved through the Sahara and continued into Egypt’s interior. By the 17th century, Mali was completely engulfed by the Moroccan Empire. According to Ancient, the empire was formed from the remnants of the crumbling Ghana Empire, which ruled from the 6th century to 13th century CE, when Malinke prince Sundiata Keita forged an alliance with fellow chiefs who grew tired of the old rule.At the battle of Krina, Sundiata defeated … The Mali Empire (1240-1645 CE) of West Africa was founded by Sundiata Keita (r. 1230-1255 CE) following his victory over the kingdom of Sosso (c. 1180-1235 CE). Backgrounds for Keita: The Heritage of the Griot . Once one of the great centres of Islamic culture and wealth, Mali owes much of its reputation to its situation as a major trading centre and to the tax that is levied on its trans-Saharan route. The traditional music of Mali is based on the songs of the jalis (or griots), a distinct caste in the social structure since the days of the Mali Empire. Due to the strong Muslim push at the time, many of Ghanaians converted to Islam. Sundiata's centralised government, diplomacy and well-trained army permitted a massive military expansion which would pave the way for a flourishing of the Mali Empire, making it the largest yet seen in Africa. The Ancient Mali empire occupied a large portion of the West African continent from 1230-1468 CE. Mali empire, trading empire that flourished in western Africa from the 13th to the 16th century. Time Line. Mali's most famous musician, Salif Keita, is an ambassador for griot music. Mali rose to the apogee of its power under Mansa Musa (1307–32?). Sundjata Keita, Old Mali, & Griot Tradition . Town of Kumbi Saleh possibly founded. These sculptures represent warriors dressed in … All enriched the culture and people of the Mali Empire. The Ghana Empire was the first to rise in the region, expanding throughout … Its largest city, Timbuktu, achieved international renown as a center of trade, culture and religion. Brief Chronology of the West African Empires and Modern Mali. They were unearthed near Djenne in the Inland Delta region of the Niger River, the heart of the Mali Empire between the 13th and 16th centuries. After 1350, poor leadership set the kingdom on the way of civil wars. Fall of the Empire of Mali Not long after the rule of Mansa Musa ended, the Mali Empire began to grow weak. 300s A.D. Soninke people possibly united by a Soninke chief. The Mali Empire was established in 1235 when King Sundiata Keita of the West African state of Kangaba defeated the Soso, his principal rival to regional power. It later outgrew its political and military strength and by about 1550 ceased to be important as a political entity. Mali Empire & Griot Traditions. Islam is still the predominant religion in Mali. 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