Mali History Trivia

1. As the Kingdom of Mali was rising to power, which earlier African kingdom was incorporated into the new empire?

From Quiz Tales of the Kingdom of Mali

Answer: Kingdom of Ghana

The Kingdom of Ghana ruled from approximately 400-1200 AD in West Africa. With a great location for farming, and natural resources such as iron ore and gold, the success of the kingdom was virtually guaranteed. Iron weapons enabled the Kingdom of Ghana to conquer nearby states, gold deposits gave them the wealth that would attract traders into the empire, and the introduction of the camel to the area made caravan trade very profitable. Eventually the kingdom was attached by the Almoravids from Morocco, and much of their territory was absorbed by the Kingdom of Mali, which had started as the state of Kangaba where the Malinke or Mandinka people lived. While information about the early history of the area is sketchy, it does appear that the Mandinka revolted against the rule of the Ghana Empire in approximately 1230.

From Quiz History of Timbuktu

Answer: Sand

The original foundations of Timbuktu have been buried under sand for centuries, if not millennia. Much of Timbuktu is threatened by desertification. The shifting sands of the Sahara make it near impossible to excavate or even locate possible sites of interest. If a team is lucky enough to find a potential excavation site, it runs the risk of sand covering it before it can be completely unearthed. What little pieces of ancient civilizations that have been discovered reveal that Timbuktu has likely been inhabited since the fifth century B.C. It is also unknown when Timbuktu was formally founded.

From Quiz Tales of the Kingdom of Ghana

Answer: Al-Bakri

Considered to be the most important work, "Kitâb al-Masâlik wa-al-Mamâlik", or "Book of Highways and Kingdoms", is one of only two books written by Al-Bakri that survives today. It is interesting to note that Al-Bakri never visited the places about which he wrote; he relied on information from merchants and other travelers. Known for his impartiality, Al-Bakri wrote about the customs, geography, main cities, and climate of each region mentioned in his book.

From Quiz Tales of the Songhai Empire

Answer: Sahel

The Songhai Empire eventually reached the Niger River in modern-day central Mali, but also included parts of Niger and Nigeria to the east, and Senegal and The Gambia to the west, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It covered an estimated 540,500 square miles, an area roughly corresponding to the size of France. While the northern part of the empire was on the edge of the Sahara Desert, most of it was situated in the Sahel, which is a band of land that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea. Mostly consisting of flat grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands, the climate of the Sahel is described as being similar to the Sahara Desert, but not as severe. Its year-round weather can typically be reported as being hot, windy, and dry.

From Quiz Jolly 'Ol Mali

Answer: Ghana

The new Mali Empire was centered between Senegal and Niger rivers. The Malinke people were under control of the Ghanian Empire, which was in a steady decline. The split occurred sometime in the 13th century. The Mali economy was heavily based on agriculture and on trade with neighboring states.

From Quiz The Mali Empire

Answer: Sundiata Keita

The kingdom of Kangaba, a vassal state of the Ghana Empire, formed the geographic area which became the initial region of the Mali Empire. Sundiata Keita, the kingdom's prince, played a pivotal role in unifying various Mandinka clans and leading the resistance against the Sosso Empire, which had subjugated the region. Sundiata's victory in the Battle of Kirina in 1235 AD marked the establishment of the Mali Empire, with Sundiata becoming its first Mansa, or emperor. He established a centralized government and implemented effective administrative systems, laying the foundation for the Mali Empire. Sundiata's leadership and military strategies were instrumental in the empire's expansion and stability, leading to the emergence of one of the most powerful empires in African history.

From Quiz Tales of the Kingdom of Mali

Answer: The place where the king lives.

Originally the name "Mali" was taken from a Mandinka name for hippopotamus. Taken as a symbol of power, it came to mean "the place where the king lives". A famous visitor to the area in 1352, Ibn Battuta, wrote that the capital of the empire was itself called Mali. A story was told that the legendary founder of the Empire turned himself into a hippopotamus when he died in the Sankarani River, drowning while attempting to cross. In the area where it is believed that happened, many villages even today have the name "Old Mali", so the name of the empire could have derived from the name of a city; today there is also a settlement called Malikoma, or "New Mali. Another source states that the name may have derived from a pronunciation of the name of the Mande people, who are a branch of the Mandinka.

From Quiz History of Timbuktu

Answer: Musa Keita I

Mansa Musa was the Muslim leader of the Mali Empire during the early 14th century. Mansa is a title that roughly translates to sultan or emperor. He was a devout Muslim at a time when Islam was unorganized and scattered. He set up Timbuktu, which was already open to new ideas, as a center for Islamic learning but it also became a center for mathematics and science over the years. Some of the building constructed by Mansa Musa still exist today, including the mosque, though it has been totally renovated and rebuilt several times.

From Quiz Tales of the Songhai Empire

Answer: The Songhai, the leading ethnic group

The Songhai Empire, also spelled Songhay, got its name from the leading ethnic group and ruling elite in the empire. Of course, as the empire grew it contained a large variety of different peoples, including subgroups of the Songhai, such as the Dendi, who speak the Songhai language. The Songhai as an ethnic group is believed to have descended from the Kingdom of Za, whose history, passed down orally for centuries, dates back to before the 1000s AD. The culture of the Songhai people was greatly influenced by tradition and custom, as well as the beliefs of people who eventually came into the area.

From Quiz Jolly 'Ol Mali

Answer: Sundiata

Sundiata unified the Mali Empire, which was previously suffering from regional and inter-family wars. Some of Sundiata's first actions as leader included creating the basic rules and relationships of Malinke society, along with an outline of how their government works. Sundiata also divided up the major clans of Mali and gave them certain tasks or privileges they could do.

From Quiz The Mali Empire

Answer: Morocco

At its greatest extent in the early 14th century, the Mali Empire centred on the Niger River, and extended as far east as Lake Chad. It reached southwards to an area now in northern Ivory Coast. Exact locations are difficult as nominal boundaries moved backwards and forwards over time. The Niger River, the third longest river in Africa after the Nile and the Congo, played a significant role in the empire's expansion and economic activities. It served as a vital trade route, allowing the empire to connect with neighboring regions and facilitate the movement of goods and people. The empire established control over trading posts along the Niger River, enabling them to regulate commerce and taxation.

From Quiz Tales of the Kingdom of Mali

Answer: Mansa

"Mansa" is a Mandinka word that means "emperor" or "sultan". Connected mostly to the first dynasty that ruled the Mali Empire, the title was passed down from the rulers of that dynasty for approximately two hundred years. The mansa had the power to deal out justice, control trade - especially the gold trade that was so profitable, and, of course, collect taxes. The mansa ruled the empire which was divided into provinces led by a governor, or farba, at first. When the king was sure of the loyalty of the local people, they were allowed to choose their own governor, called a "dyamani-tigui". If the province was likely to revolt or very important on the trade route, however, the farba maintained control.

From Quiz History of Timbuktu

Answer: Hippopotamuses

Ibn Battuta was not impressed with Timbuktu. The city was only in the early stages of development into a grand center of learning. Battuta, who was a merchant returning from a pilgrimage to Mecca, was more interested in seeking out trade items. Goa was the city in the Mali Empire famous for trading at the time. Being a devout Muslim, he did not care for the people of Timbuktu as many of them were few clothes, if any. Ibn Battuta was most impressed with the local hippopotamuses, an animal he had never seen before. He enjoyed watching boatmen ward off the hippos with long spears and found it odd that the people were afraid of what he considered harmless animals.

From Quiz Tales of the Kingdom of Ghana

Answer: Warrior King

The king or "ghana" was the absolute ruler of the Kingdom of Ghana. He was the commander in chief of the army, controlled all trade, and was the chief and only judge. He had assistants, but make no mistake! He had all the power and expected to be old everything that happened in his empire. It is written that he held court every day; people were allowed to publicly state their complaints, and he was the final judge. Two types of cases, denial of debt and the shedding of blood were tried by ordeal. The accused would have to drink an awful concoction. If he vomited, he was found not guilty. If he didn't, however, he had to face the king's justice. This time of public justice was described as follows: "He sits in audience or to hear grievances against officials in a domed pavilion around which stand ten horses covered with gold-embroidered materials. Behind the king stand ten pages holding shields and swords decorated with gold, and on his right are the sons of the kings of his country wearing splendid garments and their hair plaited with gold. The governor of the city sits on the ground before the king and around him are ministers seated likewise. At the door of the pavilion are dogs of excellent pedigree that hardly ever leave the place where the king is, guarding him. Around their necks they wear collars of gold and silver studded with a number of balls of the same metals". Speaking of the "warrior king", he must have wielded tremendous power. A legend stated that he could "order 200,000 warriors and 40,000 more with bows and arrows" if needed.

From Quiz Tales of the Songhai Empire

Answer: Sonni Ali

By the time Sonni Ali, also known as Sunni Ali Ber, became king, the great Mali Empire was in a state of steady decline. The 15th ruler of his dynasty, Sonni Ali conquered and fortified many existing cities with the help of his infantry and cavalry. He also created a fleet of ships to patrol the Niger River area of his empire. Ruling from 1464-1492, Sonni Ali built an empire that was even larger than the great Mali Empire which preceded the Songhai. His cause of death is still debated; some sources state he drowned while crossing the Niger River, while others claim he was murdered by his nephew. Either way, he was followed as king by his son, Sonni Baru.

From Quiz Jolly 'Ol Mali

Answer: Mecca

The Mali Empire was heavily influenced by the Islamic presence in Africa. When the empire was first created, the rulers used Islam to back their kingship. On Mansa Musa I's pilgrimage to Mecca, he brought with him many slaves and camels. The camels he brought carried a vast amount of gold. During the journey, he traded gold and gave it away. The big influx of gold to the Mali economy weakened it severely. Musa brought back a Muslim architect and poet, Ishak al-Sahili, who would build many clay mosques during his lifetime in Mali. Mansa Musa I is also known by the name Kankan Musa.

From Quiz The Mali Empire

Answer: Niani

Niani, located in present-day Guinea, served as the capital city of the Mali Empire. It was strategically situated near the Niger River, allowing for easy trade and communication. Niani was the political, economic, and cultural center of the empire, and was established by the first emperor, Sundiata. It housed the royal court, administrative offices, and the emperor's palace. The city flourished with vibrant markets, skilled artisans, and intellectual activities. Timbuktu (in modern Mali) played a prominent role as a cultural and intellectual centre. It flourished as a renowned center of Islamic scholarship, attracting scholars, traders, and travelers from various parts of the world and became a hub for the exchange of knowledge, particularly in the fields of religion, science, mathematics, and literature.

From Quiz History of Timbuktu

Answer: Salt

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Timbuktu became a center for trade. People from all over North Africa would come to Timbuktu to trade their salt for slaves and gold. It was during this time that Timbuktu experienced its Golden Age as people from all over Africa, the north especially, came. Timbuktu had a flourishing economy and strong government led first by the Tuareg and then the Songhai.

From Quiz Tales of the Songhai Empire

Answer: Sonni Dynasty and Askiya Dynasty

According to stories recorded in the 17th century, the "Tarikh al-Sudan" and the "Tarikh al-fattash", Ali Kulun, also known as Ali Golom, was the founder of the Sonni (Sunni) Dynasty. He was a member of the court of the Mali Empire who led a rebellion. The sources disagree as to how many kings ruled during the Sonni Dynasty; one says it was nineteen, while the other lists sixteen. Both, however, list the son of Sonni Ali, Sonni Baru, as the last dynastic king. He was defeated in battle by Askia Muhammad I in 1493, and the Askia Dynasty began. Known in history as Askia the Great, Askia expanded the empire and encouraged cultural development, learning, and trade. He was overthrown by his son in 1528, but the dynasty had nine kings and continued until 1591 - also the end of the Songhai Empire - when a civil war enabled an army from Morocco to invade the area.

From Quiz The Mali Empire

Answer: Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa, also known as Musa I of Mali, was born around 1280 into the Keita dynasty, a ruling family of the Mali Empire. He ascended to the throne in 1312, following the death of his predecessor, Mansa Abu-Bakr II. During his reign, he implemented policies that fostered economic prosperity and social stability and the empire thrived under his rule, Mali became one of the wealthiest and most powerful states in the world. One of the most notable events associated with Mansa Musa is his famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. This journey, known as the Hajj, was not only a religious obligation but also a demonstration of Mansa Musa's wealth and power. Accompanied by a magnificent caravan that included thousands of soldiers, attendants, and slaves, his extravagant spending and generosity in cities such as Cairo and Medina caused a significant impact. He distributed gold to the poor, built mosques, and funded the construction of educational institutions. Mansa Musa was also a patron of the arts and learning. He supported the growth of Islamic scholarship and facilitated the establishment of renowned educational centers, such as the University of Sankore in Timbuktu. Mansa Musa's reign lasted for approximately 25 years until his death in 1337. His successors struggled to maintain the empire's unity and faced internal conflicts and external pressures, ultimately leading to its decline.

From Quiz Tales of the Kingdom of Mali

Answer: Sundiata Keita

Although there are many stories and legends about Sundiata Keita, he was a real person; somel respected historians who traveled to the Mali Empire after his death give proof of his existence. Sundiata Keita was the second son of the king. He was ridiculed as a cripple and unable to walk until he was seven years old; his father who had protected him, died when he was three years old. His older brother, Touman, became king and treated Sundiata Keita cruelly; in addition Sundiata was captured for a time by enemies, the Soso people. Escaping into exile, Sundiata worked hard to become a warrior and hunter. He led his people into war against the Soso, and legend says, he killed their leader with a poison arrow. After that he established the Kingdom of Mali and ruled for twenty years. His story is said to have inspired "The Lion King".

From Quiz History of Timbuktu

Answer: Morocco

The Songhai had ruled over Mali for about a century and Songhai rule was characterized as stable and strong. However in 1582, Songhai leader Askia Daoud died and his heirs disputed over who would was the legitimate successor. This allowed Morocco to the north take advantage of the political turmoil and invade Timbuktu. Moroccan leader Ahmad I al-Mansur was after Timbuktu's wealth which he mistakenly believed to be held in gold mines. The Moroccan general, Judar Pasha, was outnumbered but had far superior military technology and conquered the Songhai. The Moroccan Conquest of Timbuktu saw the city decline for many reasons. One of the main reasons was that Judar Pasha was distrustful of the learned and of the many scholars who lived in the city and had them killed or exiled.

From Quiz Tales of the Songhai Empire

Answer: Gao

The history of Gao, which is located on the Niger River, stretches back to at least the ninth century. Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi, a Persian scholar who wrote about the city, stated that it was already an important "regional power", and by the end of the 1200s, it had become an important city of the Mali Empire. It was called Kawkaw at the time; Ibn Battuta, a Moroccan scholar who visited in 1353, described the town as "one of the finest, biggest, and most fertile cities..." Already a great city, Sonni Ali chose Gao as his capital. When the Songhai Empire fell, the city of Gao began to decline in importance. Visitors to the area in 1854 described a poor village of about three hundred huts.

From Quiz The Mali Empire

Answer: Gold and salt trade

Mali was blessed with abundant gold reserves, and it became one of the major gold-producing regions of the world. The empire controlled lucrative gold mines, especially in modern day Burkino Faso and Ghana, and established extensive trade networks that spanned across the Sahara Desert. Gold was highly valued, and its trade brought immense wealth to the empire. At its height, the Mali Empire was producing half of the world's gold supply. Additionally, Mali obtained salt from the Saharan salt mines, which was a vital commodity for food preservation and trading. The control of the trans-Saharan trade routes allowed Mali to monopolize the gold and salt trade, contributing to its economic prosperity and influence in the region. The wealth generated from these trade activities enabled the Mali Empire to finance grand infrastructure projects, support a flourishing artistic and intellectual scene, and establish powerful military forces.

From Quiz Tales of the Kingdom of Mali

Answer: Hajj

While the Mali kings had been converted to Islam, their people had not been forced to convert. Many of the king's subjects worshiped a religion that was a blend of Islam and local beliefs. Mansa Musa, the grandnephew (some sources say grandson) of Sundiata Keita, went to Mecca in Saudi Arabia in 1324 for the annual hajj, or pilgrimage to the Kaaba. He is said to have been the first Mali king to make the trip, and his hajj was the topic of conversation for many years to come, as he traveled the 4,000 miles with an entourage of 60,000 people! Of course, this type of endeavor would take many years of prior planning.

From Quiz History of Timbuktu

Answer: The economy was destroyed

The transatlantic trade was devastating to Timbuktu as it lost its status as a popular trade route as new trading partners opened up overseas. Timbuktu was virtually ignored by its former trade partners. The economy grew so bad that Morocco withdrew. The only commodity that was worth any value was slaves to be sold in the New World but even then other places in Africa (closer to the Atlantic) were much better suited as stops along the triangle trade.

From Quiz Jolly 'Ol Mali

Answer: Moussa Traoré

On November 19, 1968 the Malian government was subject to a coup after being in an economic decline. The coup placed Moussa Traoré in charge. He attempted to fix the economic crisis, but his efforts were spoiled by an extremely long drought. Traoré's militaristic regime fended off uprisings until in 1991 another coup occurred. In 1992 Alpha Oumar Konaré was elected as president of Mali for the new government.

From Quiz The Mali Empire

Answer: Islam

The empire's conversion to Islam began during the reign of Mansa Musa and continued to flourish under subsequent rulers. Islam played a crucial role in the empire's governance, culture, and trade connections, and influenced various aspects of Malian society, including art, architecture, and social norms. Mosques were constructed, Islamic scholars and teachers were welcomed, and Islamic legal systems were implemented. The spread of Islam also facilitated connections with the wider Islamic world, bringing intellectual and cultural exchanges to the Mali Empire. The Malian government did not force the Islamic faith on its people. Many traditional African faiths continued, especially in rural regions.

From Quiz Tales of the Kingdom of Mali

Answer: It caused gold prices to go down.

Perhaps the wealthiest person in history, Mansa Musa took 80-100 camels on his hajj to Mecca; each camel carried 300 pounds of gold! On his way, he gave out gold to the poor and the rulers of the countries he had crossed. Historians say that he gave out so much gold in Cairo, Mecca, and Medina, that it drove the price of gold down, and caused terrible inflation. Even though he attempted to rectify the situation by borrowing gold from the Cairo moneylenders at a high interest rate on his return to his kingdom, it took the city's gold market ten years to recover. One of the most important consequences of Mansa Musa's hajj was the fact that he returned to his kingdom with several Arab scholars, who brought new learning and ideas to Mali.

From Quiz History of Timbuktu

Answer: To find the lost gold of Timbuktu

By this time, Timbuktu was long past its golden age. In Europe, Timbuktu was considered a fairy tale land of myth similar to Atlantis. Many people believed Timbuktu was abandoned (it wasn't) and paved with gold. In reality, Timbuktu was nothing like that though it did have some gold items from its heyday. Another goal of the African Association was to trace the path of the Niger River. Ultimately, the African Association's activities led to the scramble for Africa as the various adventures revealed lands of interest. Of the original members of the African Association, some were interested in exploring Africa and ending slavery while others were out for treasure.

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Last Updated Dec 21 2024 5:53 AM

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