Final answer:
The Mali Empire grew in wealth and influence by controlling valuable trade routes and resources, particularly gold, and by adopting Islam, which improved trade relations and cultural development. However, internal strife and external pressures eventually led to its decline.
Step-by-step explanation:
The empire of Mali grew in wealth and influence primarily through trade and control of valuable resources. The Malian Empire, at its height under rulers like Mansa Musa, controlled the gold-producing regions of West Africa, including the Bure goldfields. Given the high demand for gold in Europe and elsewhere, control over these lucrative resources and the associated trade routes was paramount to the empire's affluence. Mali's economy was diverse, with different regions specializing in various crops and livestock, underpinning the agricultural stability that supported trade. Furthermore, Mali's adoption of Islam and the conversion of its kings facilitated trade with Muslim traders from North Africa and encouraged the development of Mali into a cultural and educational hub. Cities like Timbuktu became centers for Islamic scholarship, thereby attracting intellectuals and merchants, which further bolstered the empire's standing.
However, the Mali Empire also faced internal and external challenges, including dynastic disputes and rebellions, which ultimately weakened its power. The rise of powerful neighbors like the Songhai Empire, coupled with the arrival of the Portuguese, also contributed to the decline of Mali's control. Despite these challenges, the legacy of the Mali Empire's wealth and influence remains evident in the region's history and culture.