Rise and Fall

The Empire of Mali rose in West Africa, near the Niger River, after the decline of the Empire of Ghana. Mali became powerful by controlling important trade routes that crossed the desert and connected Africa to Europe and the Middle East. European traders wanted Mali’s gold and salt, which were very valuable in the Middle Ages. Gold was used for coins and jewelry, and salt was needed to stay healthy and preserve food.

Mali was also an Islamic empire, and Islam helped unite the people, guide laws, and connect Mali to other Muslim trading cities and scholars. Over time, Mali weakened as later rulers struggled to control the empire and trade routes changed. As Mali declined, a new empire called Songhai rose and took control of much of the same land, becoming the next great power in West Africa.