The Empire of Mali - The Twang of a Bow - Extra History - Part 1

Summary

In 1235, amidst global turmoil, Prince Sundiata of Mali defeated the Sorcerer King Soumaoro Kante, establishing the Mali Empire. Born into a fallen Ghana Empire, Sundiata overcame physical disability and political challenges to unite tribes and expand his empire, securing vast gold mines. His decentralized governance and strategic military ensured trade prosperity, laying the foundation for Mali's Golden Age. However, after his tragic death, dynastic struggles and a failed exploratory expedition marked the empire's transition into a new era.

Takeaways

• 🏺 The traders of Morocco spoke of a southern kingdom rich in gold, which was a significant motivator for the dangerous journey through the Sahara.
• 📆 In 1235, the world was in turmoil with the Mongols, the Holy Roman Empire, and the papacy involved in conflicts, while West Africa was determining the fate of the Ghana Empire.
• 🤴 Prince Sundiata, born in the ruins of the Ghana Empire, overcame physical disability and family strife to become a leader.
• 🛡 Sundiata's victory over the Sorcerer King Soumaoro Kante marked the beginning of the Mali Empire and the rise of the Mandinka people.
• 🏰 The Mali Empire expanded beyond the borders of the Ghana Empire, gaining control over three immense gold mines and becoming a hub for trans-Saharan trade.
• 🔱 Sundiata's rule established a decentralized government, fostering unity among diverse tribes and creating a stable foundation for the empire.
• 💼 By revitalizing trade and instituting taxes on merchants, Sundiata ensured a steady revenue stream that supported a full-time military to protect trade routes.
• 🏟️ Sundiata chose Niani as the new capital, strategically positioned for agriculture and less vulnerable to external threats compared to the old capital.
• 🌐 After Sundiata's death, the Mali Empire faced dynastic struggles and civil wars that threatened its stability.
• ⛵ The Mali Empire's exploration and trade initiatives, including an expedition led by Mansa Abubakari Kieta II, demonstrated its ambition and reach beyond African borders.

Q & A

What is the significance of the year 1235 in the context of the Mali Empire?

In 1235, the exiled Prince Sundiata fought against the Sorcerer King Soumaoro Kante, which led to the beginning of the Mali Empire. This victory was pivotal as it marked the end of the Ghana Empire's fall and the rise of a new era of power and prosperity in West Africa.

What geographical challenges did traders face when traveling to the Mali Empire?

Traders faced a treacherous journey across the Sahara, which involved 70 days of travel through the dune seas with scarce water and few oasis towns between them.

What were the main trade goods that traders brought to the Mali Empire?

Traders brought spices, silk, ivory, and slaves to the Mali Empire, in exchange for the vast quantities of gold that the empire had access to.

How did the Empire of Ghana contribute to the rise of the Mali Empire?

The Empire of Ghana had been a wealthy state due to its control over the trans-Saharan trade routes. Its decline and eventual collapse led to the emergence of smaller fiefdoms, one of which was the birthplace of Sundiata, who would later unite these fiefdoms and establish the Mali Empire.

What was the role of Sundiata in the formation of the Mali Empire?

Sundiata, born in the ruins of the Empire of Ghana, united various smaller kingdoms against the Sorcerer King Soumaoro Kante, leading to a decisive victory that marked the beginning of the Mali Empire.

What was Sundiata's physical disability during his childhood, and how did it affect his early life?

Sundiata was born unable to walk, which led to him being mocked and mistreated by his royal family. Despite this, he persevered and took his first step at the age of seven.

How did Sundiata manage to unite a coalition of smaller kingdoms against Soumaoro Kante?

Sundiata united the smaller kingdoms through a combination of his force of will, personality, and the shared hatred of Soumaoro's cruelty, which allowed him to form a coalition that opposed Soumaoro.

What was the structure of governance in the Mali Empire under Sundiata's rule?

Sundiata ran the Mali Empire more as a federation than as an absolute despot, with each tribe sending a chiefly representative to court. This allowed for a decentralized yet stable government.

What economic strategies did Sundiata employ to strengthen the Mali Empire?

Sundiata reinvigorated the trade in salt, slaves, and gold, taxing every merchant who passed through his lands. He also organized a sizeable full-time military to guard the caravan routes, ensuring the continuity of trade.

How did Sundiata's death impact the Mali Empire, and what challenges did it face in the following years?

Sundiata's death led to dynastic struggles that threatened the empire's stability. His biological son was too young to rule, leading to an adopted son seizing the throne. This initiated a series of power struggles and civil wars that nearly undid the peace Sundiata had established.

What was the significance of Mansa Abubakari Kieta II's expedition, and what was its outcome?

Mansa Abubakari Kieta II led an exploratory expedition into the Atlantic with a fleet of 2000 ships, seeking to find and settle new lands. However, neither the Emperor nor any of his ships were ever heard from again, marking a mysterious end to the expedition.

Outlines

00:00

🏺 The Birth of Mali Empire

The paragraph narrates the tale of Prince Sundiata of Mali, set in 1235 amidst a backdrop of global turmoil. Sundiata, born in the fallen Empire of Ghana, overcame his physical disability to unite various tribes against the tyrant, Sorcerer King Soumaoro Kante. His victory led to the establishment of the Mali Empire, which would rise to prominence through trade, particularly in gold, salt, and slaves. The empire's strategic location and Sundiata's leadership allowed it to flourish, overcoming the challenges of the previous Ghana Empire.

05:06

🌍 Expansion and Challenges of the Mali Empire

This section delves into the governance and expansion of the Mali Empire under Sundiata's rule. Sundiata's leadership style, which favored a federated approach over despotism, allowed for the integration of diverse tribes and contributed to the empire's stability and growth. The empire's borders expanded, and it gained control over significant gold mines, leading to a boom in trade. Sundiata's death, however, sparked dynastic struggles that threatened the empire's unity. Despite these challenges, Mali's rulers managed to maintain and even expand the empire's influence, engaging in trade negotiations and military campaigns. The paragraph concludes with an exploratory expedition led by Mansa Abubakari Kieta II, which, though ending in mystery, set the stage for Mali's Golden Age.

Keywords

💡Sahara

The Sahara is the world's largest hot desert, covering much of North Africa. In the script, it is depicted as a treacherous landscape that traders must cross, highlighting the challenges faced by those traveling to the south in search of gold. The Sahara serves as a symbol of the harsh environment that must be overcome to reach the riches of the Mali Empire.

💡Mali Empire

The Mali Empire was a West African empire that flourished from the 13th to the 16th century. It is central to the video's narrative, as it was established after the victory of Prince Sundiata over the Sorcerer King, Soumaoro Kante. The Mali Empire is portrayed as a prosperous and powerful state, controlling the trans-Saharan trade routes and rich in gold, which was a significant factor in its rise to prominence.

💡Sundiata

Prince Sundiata is a central figure in the script, known as the founder of the Mali Empire. His story illustrates the theme of overcoming adversity, as he was born with a disability and was mocked by his family. Sundiata's perseverance and eventual triumph against Soumaoro Kante symbolize the rise of the Mali Empire and the beginning of a new era in West African history.

💡Soumaoro Kante

Soumaoro Kante, referred to as the Sorcerer King in the script, is depicted as the antagonist and ruler of the fallen Ghana Empire. His portrayal as a cruel and ruthless leader contrasts with Sundiata's rise to power and the establishment of the Mali Empire, emphasizing the transition from oppression to a more just and prosperous rule.

💡Trans-Saharan trade

Trans-Saharan trade refers to the historical trade routes that connected North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa. The script highlights the importance of this trade for the Mali Empire, as it facilitated the exchange of goods like gold, salt, and slaves. The control over these trade routes was a key factor in the empire's wealth and influence.

💡Ghana Empire

The Ghana Empire was a West African state that existed from the 7th to the 11th century. In the script, it is mentioned as the once-great state that fell into chaos, leading to its eventual collapse. The remnants of the Ghana Empire serve as the backdrop for Sundiata's rise and the establishment of the Mali Empire, illustrating the cyclical nature of power and empires.

💡Mandinka people

The Mandinka people are an ethnic group native to West Africa, and they played a significant role in the formation of the Mali Empire. In the script, they are portrayed as the mainstay of the empire, contributing to its military and cultural strength. The Mandinka's support for Sundiata was crucial in his victory over Soumaoro Kante and the subsequent establishment of the Mali Empire.

💡Monza

Monza, as used in the script, refers to the title given to the emperor of the Mali Empire. Sundiata was crowned Monza after his victory, signifying his role as the leader of the 12 nation alliance. The title reflects the political structure of the Mali Empire, where Sundiata ruled more as a federated leader than an absolute despot.

💡Niani

Niani is mentioned in the script as the hometown of Sundiata and the new capital of the Mali Empire. Its selection as the capital highlights Sundiata's strategic thinking, as it was less vulnerable to Moroccan raiders and better suited for agriculture. Niani's establishment as the capital symbolizes the beginning of a new era for the Mali Empire and its focus on internal development and security.

💡Golden Age

The term 'Golden Age' is used in the script to describe the period of great prosperity and cultural achievement in the Mali Empire. It is characterized by the expansion of trade, the exploration of new territories, and the strengthening of ties with other regions. The Golden Age represents the pinnacle of the Mali Empire's power and influence, which was built upon the foundations laid by Sundiata and his successors.

Highlights

Traders of Morocco speak of a great Kingdom to the south with vast quantities of gold.

The journey to the Kingdom is perilous, taking 70 days across the Sahara with scarce water.

The Kingdom is inhabited by people who are half-converted to Islam but retain old rituals.

It's 1235, and various empires are in conflict, including the Mongols and the Holy Roman Empire.

Prince Sundiata of Mali is in exile and prepares to battle the Sorcerer King Soumaoro Kante for the Ghana Empire.

Sundiata's victory over Soumaoro is absolute, marking the beginning of the Mali Empire.

The Mali Empire will control trans-Saharan trade and rise from the ruins of the Ghana Empire.

Sundiata was born with a disability in the fallen Empire of Ghana, which was once rich from trading gold and salt.

Envy and drought led to the collapse of the Ghana Empire, resulting in numerous fiefdoms.

Sundiata, despite being mocked for his disability, eventually walked and gained his father's approval.

After the King's death, Sundiata's mother fled with him into exile to a neighboring kingdom.

Sundiata became a favorite of his adopted king, who appointed him as Viceroy.

Soumaoro Kante, the sorcerer King, expanded his rule over the remnants of the Ghana Empire.

Sundiata, called to liberate his people, united a coalition of kingdoms against Soumaoro.

At 18, Sundiata was crowned emperor of the 12-nation alliance, forming a federation-style empire.

The Mali Empire expanded its borders and controlled gold mines, reviving trade and taxing merchants.

Sundiata established Niani as the new capital, better for agriculture and less vulnerable to raids.

Sundiata's death led to dynastic struggles that threatened the stability of the Mali Empire.

After a period of unrest, Mali entered a Golden Age with direct trade negotiations and military campaigns.

Mansa Abubakari Kieta II launched an exploratory expedition into the Atlantic, but was never heard from again.

Transcripts

The traders of Morocco speak of a great Kingdom to the south. To journey there is treacherous:

70 days across the dune seas of the Sahara with little water between oasis towns.

Those who reach it find a strange land, dry like the seashore,

inhabited by half converted people who know the words of the Prophet, yet cling to the old rituals.

And yet the traders go bearing spices, silk, ivory and slaves.

For this land has something worth crossing deserts for: gold; vast,

incalculable quantities of gold.

It's 1235.

The Mongols surround the Jurchen capital, the Holy Roman Empire and the papacy squabble and

Barons raise troops for a new crusade in the Holy Land.

But meanwhile another great question of empire is being settled on the West African Savanna:

the exiled Prince Sundiata arrays his forces against his enemy: the Sorcerer King

Soumaoro Kante; the prize - the fallen capital of the Ghana Empire.

The sides meet: spears flash and sorcerers chant incantations.

Sundiata presses forward through the melee, moving towards Soumaoro. He knows that there is one chance:

He must shoot an arrow tipped with a rooster spur through the evil

enchanter. His bow bends, the string twangs and the arrow flies - or so the great epic of the Mandinka says.

But however it happened. Sundiata's victory is both very real and absolute.

It is the beginning of the Mali Empire. Here, the Mandinka people who will form the mainstay of

Imperial Mali will wipe aside their last oppression, raise the ancient capital of Ghana and become lords of the trans-saharan trade.

But the path to this great battle had been a long one:

Sundiata was born in the ruins of The Empire of Ghana, a once great state fallen to chaos.

Founded sometime around the year 700, The Empire of Ghana had grown rich as the middleman trading gold, which was prized by

Trans-saharan caravanners in the north for salt that was needed in the rain forests bordering its south, their coffers grew fat off the trade,

and from taxing merchants who crossed their territory.

But the Empire's neighbors grew envious of Ghana's wealth and power, making it an irresistible target.

By the 11th century a Moroccan

Incursion damaged the Empire, to the point that it was no longer able to guard its small farming villages.

And as those villages began to fend for themselves they increasingly began to vie for independence.

Meanwhile, drought forced people to migrate,

pushing the teetering Ghanan passed the point of collapse. A dozen minor fiefdoms emerged.

The shattered remnants of a once mighty nation. The Mandinka Prince Sundiata was born into one of these fiefdoms,

unable to walk. Because of this disability, the royal family mocked and mistreated the boy and his mother throughout his childhood.

But this prince would not be so easily cowed.

For years he struggled against the dead weight of his legs until, at the age of seven,

he took his first step.

But as the young Sundiata finally won the approval of his father,

his half-brothers, the sons of the king's other wife, began to resent him and fear that he might actually be chosen over them in the line of succession.

When the King died Sundiata's mother knew her family wasn't safe.

She fled into exile with her son and all of his siblings,

gaining asylum at the court of a neighboring king. Sundiata would watch his half-brothers rule from afar.

But as he grew older the tenacious little prince became a favorite of his adopted king too.

The Monarch appointed him as Viceroy and even allowed Sundiata to govern in his absence.

But back in his homeland trouble was brewing. A number of smaller states and local leaders

scrambled to fill the void left by the collapsed Empire of Ghana,

including the sorcerer King Soumaoro Kante. Soumaoro seized the former capital of the Empire and expanded it outward,

enveloping Sundiata's people.

An exceptionally cruel leader , according to the epic, Soumaoro kept the heads of nine

defeated Kings in his chamber and wore sandals made from human skin.

The Mandinka suffered under his rule.

Desperate for aid, Sundiata's family sent messengers out to the neighboring kingdom, begging Sundiata to help liberate them from their oppressors.

Despite the years of separation and mistreatment,

Sundiata resolved to return and fight.

He brought with him half of his patron's army,

but even that was no match for the forces of Soumaoro. To have any chance, he would have to unite a

coalition of smaller disparate kingdoms to oppose Soumaoro.

By force of will, personality, and a shared hatred of Soumaoro's cruelty,

he actually managed to do so.

Their revolt began in 1234,

and that brings us back to where our story began - the twang of a bow and the glorious victory of Sundiata.

In the wake of the battle, Sundiata, only 18, was crowned Monza - or emperor - of the 12 nation alliance that had marched with him.

The nations were technically, answerable to him.

But he ran the Mali Empire more as a federation

than as an absolute despot, with each tribe sending a chiefly representative to court.

With its disparate hostile tribes now fully integrated, Sundiata's new kingdom was uniquely situated for success

Indeed the borders of Mali expanded further than Ghana's ever had, and unlike the Ghana Empire,

which had been merely situated between the salt deposits to the north and the productive gold mines to the south,

the Mali empires, newly annexed to territories,

now contained three immense gold mines within its own borders.

Seeing this potential, Sundiata

reinvigorated the trade in salt, slaves and gold, taxing every merchant who passed through his lands. The combination of a decentralized,

stable government and steady tax revenue allowed Sundiata to organize and outfit a sizeable full-time

military to guard the caravan routes, ensuring that trade would continue to flow.

He selected his hometown of Niani as the new capital of his empire,

a center which was further south than the old Ghanan capital, less vulnerable to Moroccan raiders and better situated for agriculture.

He would rule for twenty years.

And though he would die in some sort of tragic accident, either by drowning or being mistakenly shot

at a festival - we're not sure which - his life ushered in a new age for West Africa.

But that new age came with new problems. The next 25 years saw great gains for Mali,

but also dynastic struggles that threatens to undo the fragile peace. For after Sundiata's death,

custom dictated that his biological son become the new Monza.

But since the boy was too young,

One of Sundiata's adopted sons seized the throne. At first everything seems to go okay. For over 15 years

Sundiata's successor added yet more lands to the empire and initiated agricultural reforms that helped secure food production.

He also introduced Islam into the monarchy and became the first ruler of Mali to make the hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca,

helping to strengthen ties with North Africa.

But Sundiata's successor had also adopted the sons of his generals as a part of his efforts to hold on to power, and when he died two

of his adopted sons split the country in a devastating Civil War.

First one son ruled for four years, his reign's lavishness matched only by his cruelty.

Then upon his death, the other son took the throne and

proved an even worse ruler than his brother. At this point, the people rose up and killed him in a riot.

After that the nation's representative swore - no more foolishness: it was time to govern.

For the next several decades a series of court officials with close ties to Sundiata took the throne and things

finally began to even out. They opened direct trade negotiations with Tripoli and Morocco and led a successful

military campaign into Senegal. With trade booming, they financed an exploratory

expedition into the Atlantic, which returned with reports of a great river flowing through the ocean.

Seeing an opportunity for wealth and adventure, the king Mansa Abubakari Kieta II

raised a fleet of 2000 ships and prepared to find and settle

whatever new land this current might sweep him to.

He left his Regent in charge of the empire and dropped his sails.

Neither the Emperor nor any of his ships were ever heard from again,

Yet this unfortunate occurrence paved the way for Mali's Golden Age.