The Ancient Civilization of Mali was once a powerful empire located along the Niger River in West Africa during the 14th century. It controlled trans-Saharan trade routes and gained wealth through exporting gold and salt, using cowrie shells as currency. Mali rose to power under the rule of Sundiata, who founded the Mali Empire, and later flourished during the reign of Mansa Musa, who spread Islam and led a golden age. However, Mali's power declined in the 14th century as European sea trade replaced the trans-Saharan routes.

1. The Ancient Civilization ofMali By: Joao, Ryan, Tom

2. Today, Mali is a landlocked country in West Africa, but it’s history is rich and vast, dating back to the 14th Century

4. Songhai

6. The ancient civilization of Mali was located on the lower part of Western Africa, near the Niger River

7. Under the powerful rule of the great Mali Empire, cities like Djenne and Timbuktu developed

8. The Great Mosque of Djenne was built out of mud for weary traveler's who wished to speak with God

9. During it’s peak, Mali controlled trans-Sahara trade along with Ghana and Songhai (Trans-Saharan Trade is any trade that goes through the Saharan Desert)

10. The trans-Saharan trade route was Mali’s main income source, which gave the region rich trade and powerful rulers

11. Mali was formed by Sundiata, it's most known leader. Mali also greatly developed under Mansa Musa, who influenced Mali’s Golden Age and many Africans to become Muslims

12. Beneath is a depiction of Sundiata, while on the right is a portrait of Mansa Musa

13. The rich trade allowed Mali to gain hold over the salt trade. Mali also had many professional traders, who exported gold dust and agricultural produce north to Europe

14. A caravan of camels with salt on their backs

15. Wherever there is trade, currency is needed. And for that they used Cowrie shells which were also used for taxation

16. Mali became very important after 1235, but it’s first city (Jenne-Jeno) developed in 200 B.C.

17. Mali’s decline started in the 14th century, when trans-Saharan trade became worthless, due to European sea trade

18. Overall Mali was once a great empire of great wealth and filled with riches, but decline was unavoidable when European sea trade eliminated their biggest source of income