James Baquet It is common to assume that the exploits of one’s own culture are the only important events in world history. It is easy to forget, then, that there have been entire empires that are seldom thought of or discussed. One such is the Mali Empire of West Africa, which at its peak encompassed an area of 1,295,000 square kilometers, larger than modern Peru, now the world’s 19th largest country, and between the sizes of Xinjiang and Tibet, China’s two largest regions. Starting as a small kingdom in the late first millennium, it flourished under Sundiata Keita, “The Hungering Lion,” who founded the empire — which was to become West Africa’s largest — around 1235. Sundiata’s capital was at Niani (his birthplace), today in Guinea on the border with Mali. But one man cannot make an empire. To further his ambitious expansion, Sundiata organized the existing army, called the Mandekalu, into 16 clans. This army had developed in defense against the slave raids of the nearby Soninke people, and may have had its roots in hunting associations. The leader of each of the clans was known as a “slave” (though they were in fact high-ranking nobles), and these cavalry commanders were referred to collectively as “the 16 slaves that carry the bow.” Including infantry, the Mandekalu could muster troops of up to 100,000 men — plenty to conquer the surrounding areas. One key to the success of the Mandekalu was iron. The culture from which they sprang had been foremost in the art of blacksmithing, and the superior weapons of the Mandekalu gave them an edge (pun intended). From around 1230 to 1610, the Mandekalu engaged in numerous conquests and campaigns. By 1300 the empire was reaching its peak under the ruler Musa I, who undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca. This brought the empire renown outside of its borders, as Musa was one of the richest men in history. At his time Mali was probably the world’s largest producer of gold. The money Musa spent on the pilgrimage disrupted the economies of such cities as Cairo, Medina and Mecca; gold was devalued, causing runaway inflation for the next decade! Vocabulary: Which words above mean: 1. sudden attacks by small groups 2. out of control 3. raise, bring together 4. “I meant to make a bad joke” 5. general rise in prices 6. prospered, was at its best 7. groups united by some common interest 8. deeds, actions 9. reduced in worth 10. high point | 