Medieval Mali Flashcards
Which empire were the Malian people controlled by before they had freedom?
Sosso Empire (Ghana)
Who was the cruel and oppressive ruler of the Sosso Empire?
Sumanguru
Why was Sumanguru hated by the Malian people?
He taxed them highly and was cruel
Who led the rebellion against Sumanguru and became the new leader of the Malian Empire?
Sundiata Kieta
At which battle did Sundiata Kieta defeat Sumanguru?
Batte of Karina, 1235
What title did the rulers of Mali have?
Mansa
What religion were the leaders of Mali?
Muslim (they followed the religion of Islam)
Where in Africa is Mali located?
West Africa
Which 3 main resources was Mali rich in?
Gold, copper and salt
Who worked in the gold and copper mines?
Enslaved people
How do we know about the story of Mali?
Griots who told the story orally through music and word of mouth
Who helped the Mansa rule?
The Gbara
What was the Gbara?
The Great Assembly (cheifs from different clans who went and debated and discussed with the Mansa, advising him on new laws and taxes)
What was the highest honour you could recieve in Mali?
The National Honour of the Trouser
What was the caste system?
A hierarchy of different people’s occupations.
Which other hierarchy could we compare the caste system to?
Feudal System or Anglo-Saxon Hierarchy
Abubakari Kieta II abdicated the throne and left Mali - where did he go?
He wanted to explore and sailed off across the Atlantic Ocean
Who was the most famous Mansa of all time?
Mansa Musa
How many new cities did Mansa Musa conquer?
24
How much money did Mansa Musa have?
£400 billion in today’s money
What was Mansa Musa’s idea of taxation that was very successful?
He didn’t tax his own people a lot, but taxed merchants and traders who passed through Mali highly.
Which city did Mansa Musa conquer and develop?
Timbuktu
What was the name of the impressive mosque Mansa Musa built?
Djinguereber Mosque
Which university did Mansa Musa found?
Unviersity of Sankore
What is the name for an Islamic place of learning?
Madrasa
Why was the University of Sankore so impressive?
It had 25,000 students and over 1 million books
What is a pilgrimage?
A religious journey
Where was Mansa Musa going on his pilgrimage?
Mecca
In what year did Mansa Musa go on his pilgrimage?
1324
Why was Mansa Musa’s caravan impressive?
He took 60,000 people and over 100 kg of gold
On which famous map did Mansa Musa appear?
Catalan Atlas
How did the Mansa greet the Sultan of Egypt?
He kissed the floor to praise Allah instead of kiss the Sultan’s feet
What did Mansa Musa build in the desert?
An irrigation system to allow his wife to wash
