Final answer:
Sundiata Keita ruled the Mali Empire during its second golden era in the 13th century, establishing it as a significant Islamic state in West Africa that thrived on trade and agricultural success. The empire was further glorified during Mansa Musa's reign due to his famed pilgrimage and generosity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mali Empire saw its second golden age during the first half of the 13th century under the reign of Sundiata Keita, who ruled from 1230 to 1255. As the founder of Mali, Sundiata established the empire as a larger, more agriculturally successful, and wealthier entity compared to its predecessor, Ghana. The Mali Empire, an Islamic state with a blend of traditional African ceremonies, thrived under Sundiata's leadership as he chose Niani as the capital and significantly expanded the empire. Through his effective governance and choice of a strategic location for the capital, he bolstered the empire's trade in the region, including the important cities of Gao, Jenne, and Walata.
Following Sundiata, the Malian elite, including the Mansa, embraced Islam, further consolidating Mali's status as a key Islamic kingdom in West Africa. This religious conversion served to enhance the political and economic influence of Mali, as the kingdom exerted control over trans-Saharan trade routes due to the strategic positioning of its capital close to goldfields. The wealth and influence of Mali were most vividly displayed during the reign of Mansa Musa (1312-1337), who was known for his pilgrimage to Mecca and is remembered for the lavish distribution of gold and the patronage of Islamic architecture and scholarship, particularly in Timbuktu.