Mali

The student will study the early West African empire of Mali by: describing its oral tradition (storytelling), government (kings), and economic development (trade) locating West Africa on a map describing the physical and human characteristics of West Africa explaining how the people of West Africa adapted to and/or changed their environment to meet their needs. The student will recognize the concepts of specialization (being an expert in one job, product, or service) and interdependence (depending on others) in the production of goods and services in the West African empire of Mali.
	Africa was the home to several great empires. One of the most prosperous was the empire of Mali.
Where was the empire of Mali located?
The empire of Mali was located in the western region of the continent of Africa. Map of Ancient Mali
What were the physical characteristics of West Africa (Mali)?
The physical characteristics of the Empire of Mali were: located in West Africa near rivers desert-like conditions gold mines
What were the human characteristics of West Africa (Mali)?
The human characteristics of the Empire of Mali were: farmers miners traders
Why were storytellers so important in the empire of Mali?
Most of what we know about Mali’s history comes from oral accounts that were handed down from Mali storytellers. Many storytellers in Mali passed on traditions and stories from one generation to the next. Lion King of Mali eStory Explore Africa with Anansi
What do we know about the leaders of the empire of Mali?
Mali was ruled by rich and powerful kings. The kings of Mali were rich and powerful men who controlled trade in West Africa. Mali became one of the largest and wealthiest empires in the region and was an important trade center.
Why was the empire of Mali so wealthy?
Early Mali was a wealthy trading empire before Columbus sailed to America. Mali lay across the trade routes between the sources of salt in the Sahara Desert and the gold region/mines of West Africa. picture from the PPT For the people of the desert, salt was a natural resource. People used salt for their health and for preserving foods. Miners found gold in Western Africa. Therefore, salt was traded for gold. Timbuktu was an important city in Mali. It had a famous university with a large library containing Greek and Roman books.
How did the people of Mali adapt to and change their environment to meet their needs?
People adapt to their environment in different ways. In the Empire of Mali, salt was an important natural resource in the desert so salt was traded for gold.
How did economic specialization and interdependence exist in the empire of Mali?
In the empire of Mali, some people specialized in protecting the empire, while others specialized in growing food for the empire. This is an example of specialization where you focus on one product or service. The people of Mali traded gold for salt with other people. This is an example of interdependence where two or more people depend on each other for goods and services. Economics of Ancient Mali Mali Study Guide
Review Activities
Mali Rags to Riches ~ Mali Multiple Choice ~ Mali Quiz ~ Mali Millionaire
Teacher Resources
Facts about Ancient Mali ~ Mali from PWNET ~ Virtual Journey of Mali ~ Magical Mali Mission to Mali ~ Ancient Mali Book Authorship ~ Stuck in Mali