Ancient Mali

• ​One of the largest and wealthiest empires of its time

• ​One of the most important centers of trade

• ​At the crossroads of the trade routes between the salt mines in the Sahara Desert and the gold mines in West Africa

• ​Salt and gold made Mali rich.

• ​It was known for being very safe.

• ​Merchants did not fear being robbed as they brought caravans to great markets

• ​The location of the gold mines in West Africa was a close kept secret, why?

• ​They carried the history of their country and passed it along throughout generations.

• ​They were trusted advisors of kings and queens.

• ​They were very powerful.

• ​A great city near the Niger River

• ​Devoted to learning

• ​Two great universities

• ​Over 170 schools

• ​A great library

• ​War came to Mali

• ​Travel became dangerous

• ​Rival kings took over

• ​Soon traders began traveling by sea instead of caravan

• In order to get food the Malians farmed and raised animals in the grasslands at the edge of the Sahara Desert.

• ​They fished in the Niger River.

• ​Once the empire reached the Atlantic, they also searched for seafood along the coast.

​Beans

​Rice

​Onions

​Squash

​Peanuts

​Today, Mali is a country in West Africa.

​The Sahara Desert is growing with climate change, causing the grasslands to die off.