Mali Empire

The Mali Empire or Mandingo Empire or Manden Kurufaba was a West African empire of the Mandinka from c. 1230 C.E. to c. 1600. C.E. The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became renowned for the wealth of its rulers, especially Mansa Musa I. The Mali Empire had many profound cultural influences on West Africa, allowing the spread of its language, laws and customs along the Niger River. It extended over a large area and consisted of numerous vassal kingdoms and provinces.