The Kingdom of Mali was an empire in West Africa from approximately 1226 to 1670 ¹.

The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita and became renowned for the wealth of its
rulers, especially Mansa Musa ¹. At its peak, Mali was the largest empire in West
Africa, widely influencing the culture of the region through the spread of its
language, laws and customs ¹. Here are some key points in the history of the
Kingdom of Mali ¹:

- *Pre-imperial Mali*: In the first millennium BC, early cities and towns were
founded along the middle Niger River, including at Dia which reached its peak
around 600 BC, and Djenne-Djenno, which lasted from around 250 BC to 900 AD.

- *Sundjata Keita*: According to Niane's version of the epic, Sundiata of the Keita
clan was born in the early 13th century during the rise of Kaniaga. He was the son
of Niani's faama, Nare Fa (also known as Maghan Kon Fatta, meaning the handsome
prince).

- *War against Soumaoro Kante*: Leading the combined armies of Mema, Wagadou and
the Mandinka city-states, Sundiata led a revolt against the Kaniaga Kingdom around
1234. The combined forces of northern and southern Manden defeated the Sosso army
at the Battle of Kirina (also known as Krina) in approximately 1235.

- *Imperial Mali*: Different oral traditions conflict with each other, as well as
with Ibn Khaldun, about the transfer of power following Sunjata's death. There was
evidently a power struggle of some kind involving the or great council and gbara
donson ton or hunter guilds. In the interregnum following Sunjata's death, the
jomba or court slaves may have held power.