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Kingdom of Mali Fact-Matching Game

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Summoning Knowledge...

About This Challenge

Explore the rich history of the Kingdom of Mali through this interactive fact-matching game!

  • Discover the legendary wealth of the Mali Empire
  • Learn about the famous king Mansa Musa and his pilgrimage to Mecca
  • Uncover the thriving trade routes that connected Mali to the rest of the world

Game Details: a fact-matching game where you piece together important information fragments. Use spells for hints and extra time!

Need a Hint? View the Facts
  • The Kingdom of Mali was a medieval empire in West Africa that lasted from the 13th to the 16th century.
  • Mansa Musa, one of Mali's most famous rulers, was known for his immense wealth and extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324.
  • The capital of the Kingdom of Mali was Niani, located near the present-day city of Kangaba in Mali.
  • Mali was a major center of trade, particularly in gold, salt, and other commodities, which were exchanged with North African and European merchants.
  • The empire of Mali was known for its wealth and prosperity, with cities like Timbuktu and Gao becoming important cultural and intellectual centers.
  • The Kingdom of Mali was known for its system of government, which included a council of ministers and provincial governors appointed by the king.
  • Mali was a Muslim-majority empire, with Islam playing a significant role in its culture, politics, and trade networks.
  • The Mali Empire reached its peak under Mansa Musa, who expanded its borders and influence through military conquest and diplomacy.
  • The economy of Mali was based on agriculture, mining, and trade, with gold and salt being particularly important commodities.
  • Mali was known for its impressive architecture, including the Great Mosque of Djenne and the University of Sankore in Timbuktu.
  • The decline of the Kingdom of Mali began in the late 15th century, due to internal rebellions, external invasions, and the rise of new trading routes that bypassed its territory.
  • The fall of the Mali Empire paved the way for the rise of other West African powers, such as the Songhai Empire and the Jolof Empire.
  • Mali's cultural legacy includes the epic of Sundiata, a traditional oral history that recounts the founding of the empire by its legendary first ruler.
  • The Kingdom of Mali had a hierarchical society, with the king at the top, followed by noble families, merchants, and commoners.
  • Mali had a well-developed system of education, with scholars and students from around the Islamic world coming to study at its universities and libraries.
  • The Mali Empire was known for its strong military, which included cavalry, infantry, and archers, as well as a navy for controlling the Niger River.
  • Mali's rulers supported the arts and literature, with musicians, poets, and storytellers playing important roles in the empire's cultural life.
  • The flag of Mali, adopted in 1959, is based on the colors of the Mali Empire's flag: green, yellow, and red.
  • The legacy of the Kingdom of Mali continues to influence modern West African societies, particularly in terms of culture, religion, and political organization.
  • Mali is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites that reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancient kingdom.

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