The Malian Empire and the Richest Man in History (Video)
In 1235 AD, the Malian Empire emerged from the shadows of the fallen Ghanan Empire, its epic origins recounted in the oral tradition of West Africa. Sundiata Keita, the Lion King, plays a central role in this saga—a tale of exile, strategic marriages, and a triumphant coalition against the malevolent Soumaoro in the Battle of Kirina. The victory ushered in a confederation of kingdoms, spanning from the Sahara to the rainforest, a colossal realm rivaling even the Mongol Empire.
- The Mali Empire: The Rise of the Richest Civilization in West Africa
- Sundiata Keita: The Lion King of Mali
The Malian Empire, at its zenith, covered 500,000 square miles (1,294,994.06 sq km) and housed millions, making it one of history's wealthiest. Its richness stemmed from abundant gold mines, with the king's extravagant spending during the Hajj in 1324 devaluing currency across the continent. Timbuktu, a city of learning and trade, flourished as a hub larger than London. Yet, the empire's history exists mainly in oral form, obscured by the limited study of pre-colonial Africa and the impact of colonialism. Sundiata's triumph and the empire's grandeur, lasting until the 1600s, echo through time—a chapter in history that deserves remembrance for its resilience and magnificence.
Top image: Ancient mud-brick city of Timbuktu, the most important center of the Malian Empire. Source: Uolir/Adobe Stock
