Mali Empire
مملكة مالي
c. 1235 CE · c. 632 AH – c. 1610 CE · c. 1019 AH† †
† Hijri date derived by computation from the Gregorian/Julian date; it may differ from the transmitted date by a day or two.
The greatest Islamic kingdom of the western Sudan, founded by Mari Jata after wresting power from the Susu, reaching its height in the eighth century AH when its rule stretched from the Niger headlands to the ocean approaches.
At a glance
- Era
- The Crusades, Ayyubids and Mamluks · The Mongol and Post-Mongol Era
- Region
- West Africa & Sahel
- Review
- Draft Completeness 1/5 · Help complete it
In time
Overview
The kingdom of Mali, the greatest of the Muslim kingdoms of the Western Sudan in Ibn Khaldun's account. It was founded by Mari Jata after he took power from the hands of Sosso. 1
Foundation
Mari Jata overcame Sosso and took all that they held of the old kingdom of the people of Ghana (the Ghana kingdom). The date is approximate, around 632 AH, and the conversion is derived. 1
Height
The kingdom reached its height in the eighth century AH, and its rule extended from the sources of the Niger to the ocean. Its capital was "Bilad Bani" (Niani), on the cultivated land and the buildings. 1
End
Ibn Khaldun did not record the end of the kingdom. The data speak of its collapse in the eleventh century AH before the people of Kukku (Gao), and describe the date of its end as a matter of dispute. 1
Connections
- Ruled by
- Mansa Musa· Mansa Sulayman· Mari Jata (Sundiata Keita)
- Founded by
- Mari Jata (Sundiata Keita)
- Successor of
- Ghana Empire
People and things also explored
Mansa Musa· Mansa Sulayman· Mari Jata (Sundiata Keita)· The hajj of Mansa Musa· Almoravid dynasty· Ghana Empire
Sources
- Kitab al-Ibar of Ibn Khaldun, p.1655-1657
Cite this page
islam.museum contributors. “Mali Empire”. islam.museum, https://islam.museum/en/polity/mali-empire/. CC BY-SA 4.0. Accessed 2026-10-17.