Mali
Sundiata’s real name was Sogolon-Djata but his Mandinka name was Sundiata which meant “The Hungering Lion”. Sundiata was the first ruler of Mali and the son of the King of Mali. He came to power in 1230. Instead of royal robes, Sundiata was said to have worn hunters garments. He established Mali in 1235.
 KangabaSundiata turned this small kingdom of the manlike people into the core center of the Mali Empire. |  SundiataThis is a portrait of Sundiata. |
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He turned a small kingdom, Kangaba- a small kingdom of the Manlike people, into the core center of the Mali Empire. Then he moved the capital city of Kangaba to the city of Niani (ni-ah-ni). While he was in power, Mali grew over 1,000 miles from east to west and Mali was the most powerful country in West Africa. He made Mali grow rich from trade.
Sundiata took control of the gold and salt trade as well. Sundiata began to develop agriculture and grains, peanuts, calabashes, and other crops were grown in large amounts. He was also said to have brought the cultivation and weaving of cotton into the area. He combined Islamic and African traditions, successfully. Sundiata died in 1255. Later, Sundiata’s sister’s grandson, Mansa Musa, became ruler.
Sundiata
A painting of Sundiata
By: Jake Scaffidi and Joscelyn Hengeveld