The Empire of Mali Flashcards
What was one of the largest empires in WAF history
The Kingdom of Mali
Where was it located
From the Atlantic Coast to central parts of the Sahara Desert
Who founded the Kingdom of Mali
King Sundiata Keita
How did the Kingdom grow
By the conquering of neighbouring people and tribute was demanded of them.
What was Mali’s first major trading item
Salt along the trade routes
What did the Kingdom use that changed the way goods were delivered
The Niger River for transport
What other benefits did living close to the river have
Fertile soil - good for crops, improve the feed. Better access to trade = better impact on ecomony
Little chance of drought
What were the common crops
Beans, rice, sorghum, millet, papaya, gourds, cotton and peanuts
What did the Empire also offer along the trade routes
Protection against violence
What was also introduced with further expanded the Mali territory
Taxes
What goods were declared property of the king
Gold Nuggets
What gold product could be traded
Only gold dust
What was used intially as currency
Salt, cotton cloth and gold dust
What was used before modern coins
Cowrie shells and kola nuts
What did kola nuts and cowrie shells represent in the markets
Money and status
