The successful expansion of medieval Mali
I can evaluate the different reasons for the growth of medieval Mali.
The successful expansion of medieval Mali
I can evaluate the different reasons for the growth of medieval Mali.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Mali expanded throughout the Sahel during the 13th century.
- Mali used its superior army to conquer its neighbours, such as the Jolof in the west and the Songhai in the east.
- Mali had a successful governmental structure - it was a federation and the Mansa installed a farimba in each kingdom
- Mali’s wealth was built on its access to gold and salt.
- The Malian elite used gold to enrich themselves and enhance the empire.
Keywords
Trade - trade means the exchange of goods
Federation - a federation is a country made up of individual states that have control over their own local matters, but are controlled by a central government
Mansa - Mansa is the word used in the Mali Empire to refer to the king or emperor
Common misconception
Successful empires dominate and subjugate the conquered people within the empire in order to keep them loyal.
The Mali aristocracy adopted a successful 'hands off' approach to governance, allowing the different kingdoms within the empire a great degree of autonomy.
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: The successful expansion of medieval Mali, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 history lesson on: The successful expansion of medieval Mali, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Medieval West Africa: why was medieval Mali so successful? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a holy journey
the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca
the exchange of goods