Mali Empire Rises

Sundiata Keita led the combined armies of Mema, Wagadou and the Mandinka city-states in a revolt against the Kaniaga Kingdom. The combined forces defeated the Sosso army at the Battle of Kirina in about 1235. The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became renowned for the wealth of its monarchs, especially Mansa Musa. Trade was a significant factor in the rise and success of Mali, and the empire taxed every ounce of gold, copper and salt that entered its borders. Mansa Musa made a famous pilgrimage to Mecca from 1324 to 1326. His generous gifts and his expenditure of gold caused significant inflation in Egypt. At its peak Mali was the largest empire in West Africa, widely influencing the culture of the region through the spread of its language, laws and customs.