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Ancient Mali Empire rose from what was previously known as the Ghana Empire. It is the second great Sahelian kingdom in West Africa.
Ancient Mali saw the rise of trade and commerce as Mali served as a major trade route for caravans to pass. The history of ancient Mali is very interesting. According to historical accounts, ancient Mali was founded under the leadership of King Sundiata. Sundiata was the most famous and powerful ruler of Mali. Sundiata was popularly referred to as 'the Lion King'. Several clans in the heartland unified under his leadership. Being the king of a vast region, he gave rise to the ancient Mali Empire. Sundiata's glorious rule was from 1230-1255. Under his rule, the Mali Empire extended its territories very fast. After the death of Sundiata, Mansa Musa was the next great ruler who contributed to the meteoric rise of the ancient Mali Empire.
Mansa Musa ruled Mali Empire from 1312 to 1337. Mansa Musa built magnificent mosques. Under his rule Timbuktu reached the zenith of glory as one of the main centers of learning and the seat of propagation of Islam. He patronized libraries and numerous madrassa mushroomed in this region as Islamic educational institutions. Under his glorious rule, Timbuktu not only became a well-known cultural center in West Africa but also its fame spread far and wide. It was one of the most important trade routes as traders in camel caravans carried salt from the northern mines to be traded for gold and other goods such as nuts and grain that were carried from the southern part.
The glorious period of history of ancient Mali Empire began to decline after Mansa Musa's death. Internal disputes and lack of a dynamic king resulted in the downfall of the empire. The vast ancient Mali Empire broke off into small states. Songhai asserted its independence and rose to power thus bringing an end to the ancient empire.
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