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SOL 3.2 Mali by Ellen Benegar. The Empire of Mali. Africa was home to several great empires. One of the most prosperous (wealthy) countries was Mali. Mali was a wealthy trading empire before Columbus sailed to America in 1492. Storytellers.
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The Empire of Mali • Africa was home to several great empires. • One of the most prosperous (wealthy) countries was Mali. • Mali was a wealthy trading empire before Columbus sailed to America in 1492.
Storytellers • Storytellers (Griots) were important to Mali because they told the history of the country and the people to each generation. • Storytellers passed on traditions and stories from one generation to another Mali was once ruled by rich and powerful kings!
Leaders of Mali • The kings of Mali were rich and powerful men who controlled trade in West Africa. • Mali became one of the largest and wealthiest empires and was an important trade center. I will let you trade in our country.
Trade • Mali was between the trade routes of the Sahara Desert where there was salt, and West Africa which had gold mines. • Salt was a natural resource found in the desert. People used salt for preserving food and for their health. • Miners found gold in West Africa. • Salt was traded for gold.
Timbuktu • Timbuktu was an important city in Mali. • It had a famous university with a large library of Greek and Roman books.
Physical Characteristics • Mali is located in West Africa. • It is near rivers. • The climate is desert-like. • There are gold mines.
Human Characteristics • The people were: • farmers miners traders