Why Is Mali Successful

Trade was one of the biggest factors that made Mali very successful. Mali was founded on a goldfield, located on the southern border of the Sahara. Their location in the trans-Saharan trade made them extremely rich and powerful. Mali took advantage of the gold beneath their feet and began to trade it for other things, such as salt. “Much gold was traded through the Sahara desert, to the countries on the North African coast” (MaliTrade). Being the center of trade, West Africa had many connections to the Islamic trade networks, meaning that they had access to many trade routes and could make even more money off of trade. There were many stories of the overflowing amounts of gold in Mali, and that attracted merchants and traders from all over …show more content…
Sundiata Keita, the first Mansa, led his people to gather around the goldfields and together they defeated the Soso, who threatened them. They united into a strong empire. “Over time, the Mali Empire became stronger and took over surrounding kingdoms including the Empire of Ghana” (Ducksters). Sundiata also created a new society with hereditary nobility, which was one of his greatest accomplishments. He expanded the size of Mali, along with its profits of the gold trade for more than 25 years. The great mansa led the Mali to prosperity and wealth, and the empire grew and grew for …show more content…
With the gold mined from the goldfields, he governed Mali very successfully and eventually became “the richest man on earth.” Mali had so much gold that during his pilgrimage to Mecca, he showered the poor in gold. As Mansa Musa wandered about, accompanied by his many guards and performers, he gave out presents. “Some people were handed luxury goods. Others were given a small nugget of gold. The elders of every town received special gifts” (MrDonn). His generosity not only made Mali even more famous, it attracted a lot of people to Mansa Musa and a lot of people began to know about this famous mansa. This is the reason why Mansa Musa is the most famous mansa in history. Not only did Mansa Musa give gold to the poor, he used it to build mosques and madrassas. Mansa Musa established religious freedom. Education was free and encouraged. “He even established a university. People came from all over the world to study at this famous university” (MrDonn). Sankore Mosque, once Sankore Madrassa (or the University at Timbuktu) was a place where scholars, students, and teachers traveled to study and learn. Mansa Musa had so much gold that he is depicted on the Catalan Atlas holding a gold nugget. This shows that Mali is known for its gold and its power in the trans-Saharan trade. Mansa Musa was a great king who listened to his people and helped those in