Final answer:
The Mali Empire was a medieval empire in West Africa, known for its wealth and prosperity. Mansa Musa was the most famous leader, known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and his wealth. The empire had a significant impact on trade, scholarship, and the spread of Islam.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mali Empire
The Mali Empire was a medieval empire in West Africa that existed from the 13th to the 16th century. It was known for its wealth and prosperity, being the largest and most powerful empire in the region at the time.
Leadership and Achievements
The most famous leader of the Mali Empire was Mansa Musa, who ruled from 1312 to 1337. He is known for his pilgrimage to Mecca, during which he distributed huge amounts of gold and established trade relations with various Islamic states. Mansa Musa's wealth and the exchange of culture and ideas during his reign contributed to the empire's reputation and influence.
Impacts and Legacy
The Mali Empire was a center of wealth, trade, and scholarship, with Timbuktu as its renowned intellectual and cultural center. The empire's control over the Trans-Saharan trade route allowed for the growth of cities, the spread of Islam, and the exchange of goods and ideas between different regions. The Sundiata Epic, which tells the story of the empire's founder, is a significant literary work from this period.
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