How Did The Site Of Cultural Exchange Affect The Growth Of Mali?

The Empire of Mali was a site of cultural exchange, which impacted the daily lives of those who traveled and lived there. The empire was located along the upper Niger river, on the southern border of the Sahara. They became powerful due to their prime location during the trans-Saharan trade. The gold trade thrived, especially because the gold was carried up the Niger river, so they had a chance to control the trade. This prime location helped Mali grow and thrive. This attracted trade from several other tribes and countries, which made the growth of Mali even easier due to their riches. People from Arabia reported to have found the “Land of Gold” because of the abundance of gold that Mali used and held. Another factor that contributed to the

All of the rulers of Mali followed the Islamic beliefs, with the exception of Sundiata, who practiced both. Several mosques were built in Mali, such as the Sankore Mosque, and the Great Mosque of Djenne. These mosques were a place where people were taught religion, astronomy, logic, and history. A last reason that Mali was a great place of cultural exchange was the rulers, and their power. Sundiata Keita was the first ruler (mansa) of the Mali Empire. Ruling from 1217 - 1255, Sundiata was successful in conquering and unifying chiefdoms. “ ...who led his Mandinka people to defeat attacks by the Soso and then to unite the smaller chiefdoms in and around the goldfields into a strong empire,“. This quote proves that Sundiata was successful in starting off his Empire by expanding their land. Sundiata created the ideas of warriors on horseback, which became a popular idea. There are still remains of some terracotta sculptures that depicted warriors armed with bow and arrow riding on horseback. These warriors would eventually become a key part in the gold-salt trade, as they patrolled and controlled trade routes. Another important ruler was Mansa Musa. He was the second ruler of Mali, and he was extremely