Final answer:
The largest but shortest-lived West African empire was the Mali Empire, which reached its height under the leadership of Mansa Musa but later declined and collapsed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The West African empire that was the largest but also the shortest-lived was the Mali Empire. The Mali Empire, which was established in the 13th century, reached its height under the leadership of Mansa Musa. It was known for its wealth and the city of Timbuktu, which was a major center of learning and trade. However, the Mali Empire began to decline in the 14th century and eventually collapsed due to internal conflicts and attacks from neighboring empires.
Learn more about West African empires