The successful expansion of medieval Mali
I can evaluate the different reasons for the growth of medieval Mali.
The successful expansion of medieval Mali
I can evaluate the different reasons for the growth of medieval Mali.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Mali expanded throughout the Sahel during the 13th century.
- Mali used its superior army to conquer its neighbours, such as the Jolof in the west and the Songhai in the east.
- Mali had a successful governmental structure - it was a federation and the Mansa installed a farimba in each kingdom
- Mali’s wealth was built on its access to gold and salt.
- The Malian elite used gold to enrich themselves and enhance the empire.
Common misconception
Successful empires dominate and subjugate the conquered people within the empire in order to keep them loyal.
The Mali aristocracy adopted a successful 'hands off' approach to governance, allowing the different kingdoms within the empire a great degree of autonomy.
Keywords
Trade - trade means the exchange of goods
Federation - a federation is a country made up of individual states that have control over their own local matters, but are controlled by a central government
Mansa - Mansa is the word used in the Mali Empire to refer to the king or emperor
Content guidance
- Contains depictions of discriminatory behaviour.
- Contains conflict or violence.
Supervision
Adult supervision suggested.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
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