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Sundiata Keita

Type Figure Region Mali Time c. 1217–1255 Also known as Sundiata Keita、Sunjata Keita、Soundiata Keïta、Mari Djata

Founding ruler of the Mali Empire and a central figure in Mandinka tradition and the Epic of Sundiata;…

Timeline

  1. c. 1220–1234Mandinka region · MandinkaUnder pressure from the expansion of Soso king Sumanguru, Sundiata experienced exile and return, uniting Mandinka tribes and allies to counter Soso hegemony and complete the unification of the Mandinka world.
  2. 1235–1255Niani · MaliAfter winning the Battle of Kirina around 1235, Sundiata founded the Mali Empire, established its capital at Niani, integrated the West African gold-salt trade network, and established Mansa suzerainty over vassal states, becoming one of the most influential rulers in 13th-century West Africa.

Sources