Kingdom of Mali

The Kingdom of Mali was a powerful West African empire that thrived from the 13th to 16th centuries. It emerged after the decline of the Ghana Empire and became renowned for its wealth, particularly in gold, and its thriving trade routes across the Sahara Desert. Key figures, like the famous ruler Mansa Musa, expanded the empire and promoted education and culture, notably in the city of Timbuktu, a significant center for scholarship. The Kingdom's influence spread beyond Africa, making it an important player in global trade and culture during its peak.