Lesson 3: The Empires of Mali and Songhai(Early African Civilizations)
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Introduction
A long time ago, in West Africa, there were powerful empires full of gold, trade, and great leaders. Let me tell you about two of them — the Mali Empire and the Songhai Empire. Their stories are full of courage, wisdom, and amazing changes.
Sundiata - Mali
The story of Mali begins with a young prince named Sundiata. Sundiata was not always strong — when he was a boy, he could not walk. People laughed at him and said he would never be king. But Sundiata did not give up. One day, with great effort, he stood up and took his first steps. The people were amazed, and his strength grew. Later, he defeated his enemies in a great battle, using clever strategies and the support of loyal warriors. His victory was so famous that griots, the storytellers of Mali, sang about him in their songs, calling him "The Lion King".
Sundiata was not only a great warrior; he was also a wise leader. He knew that food was important for his people. One day, as he walked through a field, he noticed a soft, white plant growing — cotton. He realized that this plant could be spun into thread and woven into cloth. So, he introduced cotton farming to his people. The people of Mali were excited. They used cotton to make beautiful clothes with bright colors and patterns, and they traded it for gold and salt. Mali’s markets became busy and full of life, with traders from faraway lands coming to buy and sell.
To make Mali stronger, Sundiata took power from the local leaders, called "mansas". These mansas had a lot of power because they controlled the land and the people in their regions. But their power was not just political — it was also religious. The mansas were believed to have a special connection to the ancestors. People thought the mansas could speak to the spirits of those who had passed away, asking for their blessings and guidance. Villagers would gather around the mansa, hoping that through him, their ancestors would protect their crops and families. By bringing the mansas under his rule, Sundiata united the empire, making it peaceful and strong.
Mansa Musa - Mali
After Sundiata, there was another famous ruler of Mali — Mansa Musa. Mansa Musa was very rich, possibly the richest man who ever lived. But he was also a good Muslim, and he wanted to share his wealth and faith. In 1324, he made a famous journey, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. Imagine a long golden caravan stretching across the desert — thousands of people, soldiers in shining armor, servants carrying silk cloth, and camels with bags of gold dust. Along the way, Mansa Musa gave gold to the poor and built mosques in the cities he passed. In Cairo, he gave away so much gold that the value of gold dropped for years! When he returned to Mali, he brought back scholars and architects to build schools and spread Islam. Mansa Musa's journey showed the world how powerful and rich Mali was.
Sunni Ali - first great ruler of Songhai
Not far from Mali, the Songhai Empire rose to power. Sunni Ali was the first great ruler of Songhai. He was a strong and clever leader who knew that peace was important. One story says that Sunni Ali could swim like a fish and would often cross rivers with his army to surprise his enemies. He made his army powerful and took control of important cities like Timbuktu and Djenne. These cities were full of traders, scholars, and artists. Sunni Ali made sure that people of different religions and cultures could live together peacefully. In one town, it is said that a mosque stood next to a traditional shrine, showing how Sunni Ali allowed different beliefs to coexist. This brought stability to Songhai.
Askia the Great
After Sunni Ali, another leader came to power — Askia the Great. Askia was not only a warrior but also a lover of knowledge. He believed that education was the key to a strong empire. He invited scholars from all over the world to Songhai and built schools, libraries, and mosques. The famous city of Timbuktu became a center of learning. People came from far away to study science, math, and history. One story tells of a great library in Timbuktu, where dusty scrolls filled with ancient wisdom were carefully kept. Askia himself would visit these schools and talk to the scholars, encouraging them to teach more students. Askia's efforts made Songhai not only powerful but also wise.
These great empires of Mali and Songhai left behind stories of bravery, wealth, and wisdom. They taught the world about the power of leadership, trade, and learning. Today, their legends still inspire people, reminding us that with strength, knowledge, and unity, great things are possible.
Comprehension and Conversation Questions
Comprehension: You meet Sundiata – the first ruler of the Mali. He is admired by his peoples, and everyone praises him for introducing a new crop is valuable for the Mali people and for trade. What is that new agricultural product?
Conversation: What agricultural products come from your home country?
2. Comprehension: Sundiata invites you to dinner to discuss his rule. He explains that he has consolidated power by taking power from the local leaders. He told you the name of these local leaders and why they are important, but you forgot. Now Sundiata is quizzing you on what he told you to see if you were paying attention. You better respond correctly!! What is the name of these local leaders? Why do they have so much power?
Conversation: What do you know about politics in your country? What do you know about politics within your family? How are decisions made within your country or within your family?
3. Comprehension: Not only do you travel through Africa. You also time travel. You go through the time worm-hole, and you walk up to Mansa Musa – Mali's most famous ruler. Mansa Musa continues to talk to you about the importance of Islam. How did Mansa Musa spread Islam?
Conversation: Your parents also want to instill in you certain values like hard work, the success orientations, their religion, etc. What values and beliefs do/did your parents teach you? What is some advice they have given you? Do you have any stories about them teaching you?
4. Comprehension: How was Sunni Ali able to bring peace and stability to the Songhai?
Conversation: In what ways is your home country stable? In what ways is your home country unstable?
5. Comprehension: How did Askia the Great contribute to the Songhai in terms of education?
Conversation: How has education benefited your family members and relatives?