In this Grade 7 lesson from California myWorld Interactive, Chapter 7, students explore the rise of the Mali and Songhai empires in West Africa, tracing how rulers like Sundiata and Mansa Musa built power through control of trans-Saharan trade routes and the spread of Islam. Students examine Mali as a site of encounter where commercial and cultural exchanges shaped the empire, including the role of scholarship, griots, and Mansa Musa's famous hajj in spreading Mali's influence. The lesson develops sequencing skills as students follow the historical progression from the fall of Ghana through the height of Mali's prosperity and the emergence of Songhai.
Section 1
Sundiata Founds the Mali Empire
After the Ghana Empire fell, a cruel ruler named Sumanguru took over many of its lands. His harsh rule caused great suffering among the people of the region.
A prince named Sundiata Keita organized a rebellion to overthrow Sumanguru. He united several small kingdoms and led a powerful army against the cruel king.
Section 2
Mali Controls the Gold-Salt Trade
The Mali Empire grew powerful by controlling the trans-Saharan trade. Its location gave it a key position between the gold mines of West Africa and the desert's valuable salt deposits. This made the empire a central crossroads for merchants.
Camel caravans traveled across the Sahara, exchanging goods and ideas. Merchants from North Africa brought salt, books, and cloth to trade for gold and enslaved people from West Africa.
Section 3
Mansa Musa Showcases Mali's Power
The Mali Empire reached its height under the rule of Mansa Musa. In 1324, he made a famous pilgrimage, or hajj, to the holy city of Mecca. On his journey, he spent so much gold that he showed the world Mali's incredible wealth and power.
Mansa Musa's journey also brought new ideas back to Mali. He invited scholars, architects, and artists to his empire. They helped turn cities like Timbuktu into world-famous centers for Islamic learning, trade, and culture.
Section 4
Songhai Builds a New Empire
As the Mali Empire weakened, the Songhai people saw an opportunity to expand their territory. They lived along the Niger River and began to challenge Mali's control over the region.
A powerful king named Sunni Ali built a strong army and conquered former Malian lands. In 1468, his forces captured the wealthy city of Timbuktu, giving Songhai control over important trade routes.
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Section 1
Sundiata Founds the Mali Empire
After the Ghana Empire fell, a cruel ruler named Sumanguru took over many of its lands. His harsh rule caused great suffering among the people of the region.
A prince named Sundiata Keita organized a rebellion to overthrow Sumanguru. He united several small kingdoms and led a powerful army against the cruel king.
Section 2
Mali Controls the Gold-Salt Trade
The Mali Empire grew powerful by controlling the trans-Saharan trade. Its location gave it a key position between the gold mines of West Africa and the desert's valuable salt deposits. This made the empire a central crossroads for merchants.
Camel caravans traveled across the Sahara, exchanging goods and ideas. Merchants from North Africa brought salt, books, and cloth to trade for gold and enslaved people from West Africa.
Section 3
Mansa Musa Showcases Mali's Power
The Mali Empire reached its height under the rule of Mansa Musa. In 1324, he made a famous pilgrimage, or hajj, to the holy city of Mecca. On his journey, he spent so much gold that he showed the world Mali's incredible wealth and power.
Mansa Musa's journey also brought new ideas back to Mali. He invited scholars, architects, and artists to his empire. They helped turn cities like Timbuktu into world-famous centers for Islamic learning, trade, and culture.
Section 4
Songhai Builds a New Empire
As the Mali Empire weakened, the Songhai people saw an opportunity to expand their territory. They lived along the Niger River and began to challenge Mali's control over the region.
A powerful king named Sunni Ali built a strong army and conquered former Malian lands. In 1468, his forces captured the wealthy city of Timbuktu, giving Songhai control over important trade routes.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter