Mali was the most powerful empire in west africa after Ghana.

Mali started when Sundiata Keita conquered the capital of Ghana.

Mansa Musa was the greatest ruler of Mali.

Mansa Musa spread the word of his empire on his pilgrimage to Makkah.

Mali started the gold and salt trade after they took over Ghana's gold mines.

Mali started to decline when Mansa Musa died and the kings did not stop the Berbers.

At Mali's hight it was a confederation of three states.