4.1.1

Geography of the Mali Empire

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Geography of the Empire of Mali

The Empire of Mali was a West African Islamic Empire that existed from the 13th century to the 16th century.

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Key facts about the Mali Empire

  • The empire had lots of different natural environments including the Sahara desert, mountain ranges, and rivers.
  • The Empire sat just south of the Sahara.
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Desert and forest

  • The Empire of Mali was close to the Sahara desert.
    • This meant that it could expand its trade networks and increase its wealth by keeping in contact with all the traders travelling between North Africa, Europe, and Asia.
    • Mali was also located right in the middle of existing trade routes.
  • The Empire of Mali had access to raw materials such as wood and food thanks to the forests located near its coasts.
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Rivers and mountains

  • Many rivers ran across Mali. The River Niger was the most important river for the empire, because:
    • This river acted as a fast and direct mode of transport for traders.
    • This river provided water for agricultural (farming) and domestic (household) use.
  • Rivers and mountains also helped defend against invasions. Invading armies would have had a more difficult time travelling around or across them.

Jump to other topics

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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