The Founder of Mali Empire 🇲🇱 History JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 2

In the 13th century, the Mali Empire was founded by Sundiata Keita. Sundiata is often referred to as the “Lion King of Mali” due to his leadership and achievements. He is a significant figure in West African history.

Sundiata Keita’s story is well-known for his triumph over adversity. Legend has it that he overcame physical challenges, including being unable to walk for some time, and eventually rose to power. One of the key events in his life was the Battle of Kirina in 1235, where he defeated the Sosso king Sumanguru Kante and established the foundation of the Mali Empire.

Sundiata Keita is celebrated not only for his military victories but also for his wisdom in governance. Under his leadership, the Mali Empire became a flourishing center of trade, culture, and learning. The city of Timbuktu, within the Mali Empire, became renowned as a major intellectual and economic hub in the region.

Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita:

1. Sundiata Keita is famously known as the “Lion King of ________.” a. Ghana b. Mali c. Songhai d. Benin
2. Sundiata Keita overcame physical challenges, including being unable to ________ for some time. a. speak b. walk c. see d. hear
3. The Mali Empire was founded in the ________ century by Sundiata Keita. a. 11th b. 12th c. 13th d. 14th
4. Sundiata Keita defeated the Sosso king Sumanguru Kante in the Battle of ________ in 1235. a. Gao b. Kirina c. Timbuktu d. Jenne
5. Sundiata Keita is credited with establishing the foundation of the ________ Empire. a. Ghana b. Mali c. Songhai d. Kanem-Bornu
6. The city of ________ became a major intellectual and economic hub within the Mali Empire. a. Gao b. Timbuktu c. Jenne d. Kumbi Saleh
7. Sundiata Keita’s leadership qualities contributed to the flourishing of trade, culture, and learning in the Mali ________. a. Kingdom b. Republic c. Empire d. Dynasty
8. The Battle of Kirina took place in the year ________. a. 1205 b. 1215 c. 1225 d. 1235
9. Sundiata Keita’s triumph over adversity is reflected in his legendary rise to ________. a. royalty b. power c. wealth d. fame
10. The Mali Empire became known as a center of trade, culture, and learning under Sundiata’s wise ________. a. diplomacy b. administration c. military tactics d. agriculture
11. Sundiata Keita is often referred to as the founder of the ________ Empire. a. Axum b. Mali c. Aksum d. Ghana
12. Sundiata Keita’s significant victory over Sumanguru Kante is associated with the liberation of the ________ people. a. Mande b. Ashanti c. Fulani d. Igbo
13. The legendary tale of Sundiata Keita is passed down through oral ________ in West Africa. a. traditions b. myths c. histories d. epics
14. Sundiata Keita’s rule contributed to the golden age of the ________ Empire. a. Mali b. Ghana c. Songhai d. Axum
15. The city of ________ became renowned as a major intellectual and economic hub in the Mali Empire. a. Gao b. Timbuktu c. Jenne d. Kumbi Saleh

The capital of the Mali Empire was Niani, also known as Ninani or Mali. It was an important city and served as the political and cultural center during the height of the empire’s power.