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The Mali Empire in 1337, including the location of the Bambuk, Bure, Lobi and Akan Goldfields [67] [68] The Mali Empire covered a larger area for a longer period of time than any other West African state before or since. What made this possible was the decentralised nature of administration throughout the state.
The pre-colonial trade routes and networks in Africa were extensive and sophisticated, connecting various regions of the continent and facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. These routes played a crucial role in the development of African civilizations , fostering economic prosperity and cultural exchange long before European ...
Its position near the edge of the Sahara Desert made it a hub for trans-Saharan trade routes. Timbuktu also acts as a midpoint between the regions of North, West, and Central Africa. Because of this, Timbuktu developed into a cultural melting pot. The Mali Empire reached a steady decline in the mid-1400s, giving rise to the Songhai Empire.
The eastern trans-Saharan route led to the development of the long-lived Kanem–Bornu Empire as well as the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai empires, centred on the Lake Chad area. This trade route was somewhat less efficient and only rose to great prominence when there was turmoil in the west such as during the Almohad conquests.
After a shift in trading routes, the town flourished from the trade in salt, gold, ivory and slaves from several towns and states such as Begho of Bonoman, Sijilmassa, and other Saharan cities. [1] It became part of the Mali Empire early in the 14th century. By this time it had become a major centre of learning in the area.
Mali's most famous ruler, Mansa Musa, traveled across the Trans-Saharan trade routes on his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1325. [3] Because Islam became so prominent in North and West Africa, many of the trade routes and caravan networks were controlled by Muslim nations. [1] In the 14th century, prominent trade and travel routes had been firmly ...
Their raids threatened Mali's communication and trade lines with the critical gold-producing region of Bambuk and the vassal states of Kaabu, Wuli and Niani. [75] [76] Cut off from the desert-side trade, Mali's economy now depended heavily on these western provinces and the trade with the Portuguese that had begun in the 1450s.
The heart of the Mali Empire was located along the Niger River Basin, making it the intersection of many important trans-Saharan trade routes. [6] This allowed Empire Mansa Musa I to control the trade of gold, salt and kola nuts throughout North and West Africa. [6] During colonial times, the importance of gold in particular declined. Mali was ...