Table of Contents
How much gold did the Mali Empire have?
| Mali Empire | |
|---|---|
| 1500 | 400,000 km2 (150,000 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| • mid-15th century | 40-50 million |
| Currency | Gold dust (Salt, copper, silver and cowries were also common in the empire) |
Why was the city of Timbuktu important?
For more than 600 years, Timbuktu was a significant religious, cultural and commercial center whose residents traveled throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. Timbuktu was famous for educating important scholars who were well known throughout the Islamic world.
Which medieval empire of the western Sudan was founded by the Mande speaking Malinke people and had its capital at Timbuktu?
The Mali empire developed from the state of Kangaba, on the upper Niger River east of the Fouta Djallon, and is said to have been founded before 1000 ce. The Malinke inhabitants of Kangaba acted as middlemen in the gold trade during the later period of ancient Ghana.
What ethnicity is Mali?
Although Mali is one of the largest countries in Africa, it has a relatively small population, which is largely centred along the Niger River. The Bambara (Bamana) ethnic group and language predominate, with several other groups—including the Fulani (Fulbe), Dogon, and Tuareg—also present in the population.
Who is the most known medieval African ruler?
Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa, fourteenth century emperor of the Mali Empire, is the medieval African ruler most known to the world outside Africa. His elaborate pilgrimage to the Muslim holy city of Mecca in 1324 introduced him to rulers in the Middle East and in Europe.
Why is the heritage of Timbuktu in danger?
In 1990, the UN put the legendary Malian city on the list of World Heritage sites in danger but the two main threats facing it were desertification and human neglect. This situation has now been compounded by insecurity, vandalism and the prospect of war. Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall reports from Timbuktu.