Sundiata, the first king of Mali began the Keita dynasty where the title "Mansa" was used to identify someone \a, part of the dynasty. Mansa Musa, a 14th century Mali king, was a part of the Keita dynasty. He was born in either the late 13th century or early 14th century and little is known about his early life. However, the life and reign of Sundiata allows for a better understanding of the rule of Mansa Musa. Sundiata laid the foundation for Mansa Musa to make Mali a place of great prosperity ("Sundiata"). The history of Mali started with the creation of Kangaba, a state ruled by Sundiata. A neighboring threat, Sumanguru, was trying to restore the kingdom of Ghana and had been a source of trouble. Sundiata contested Sumanguru, a king who