GEOGRAPHY GEOGRAPHY • The empire was strategically located The empire was strategically located

between gold mines in the west and between gold mines in the west and

the agriculturally rich Niger River.the agriculturally rich Niger River.

• The northwestern region of the The northwestern region of the

empire extends into the Sahara empire extends into the Sahara

desert, In the central and southern desert, In the central and southern

areas, the Niger River has an annual areas, the Niger River has an annual

flood cycle.flood cycle.

• It was the second of three West It was the second of three West

African empires to emerge in the African empires to emerge in the

savanna grasslands.savanna grasslands.

MANSA MUSAMANSA MUSA

Mali Most Famous Mali Most Famous RulerRuler

• Musa ruled from Musa ruled from 1312-1337 A.D.1312-1337 A.D.

• Being a Muslim he Being a Muslim he made a pilgrimage to Mecca, bringing thousands of followers and hundreds of camels carrying gold.

• During the pilgrimage During the pilgrimage

he gave out so many he gave out so many

gifts and bought so gifts and bought so

much that the value much that the value

of gold in Egypt and of gold in Egypt and

Arabia fell for twelve Arabia fell for twelve

years.years.

VOCABULARYVOCABULARY

• Empire – a state controlling other states.Empire – a state controlling other states.

• Trading Center - Trading Center - a general market established by traders in a heavily populated region.

• Mansa – RulerMansa – Ruler

• Pilgrimage - Pilgrimage - religious journey, religious expedition.