Week 5: The Mali Empire: Origin, Nature, and Impact

This module examines the Old Mali Empire within the context of ancient and medieval African history. The Old Mali Empire should not be confused with the modern Mali, even though modern Mali derives its name from the Old Mali Empire. Students should carefully study D.T. Niane, Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali and develop some ideas on the rise of Old Mali, the evolution of Old Mali, the nature of Old Mali society, and the decline of the empire. What were the major achievements of the Old Mali Empire? What is Old Mali remembered for? What are its legacies?

The materials on this module include the following:

i) Readings:

• Daniel McCall and Reed F. Stewart, “Reconstructing Early Mande Civilizations: Ghana and Mali,” Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research. Supplementary Studies, No. 20, Reconstructing Complex Societies: An Archaeological Colloquium (1974), pp. 41-48, Reconstructing Early Mande Civilizations: Ghana and Mali (csuohio.edu)
• D.T. Niane, Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali (Pearson, Revised Edition, 2006), Partly and partially available online through this link here: Sundiata.pdf (scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us)

ii) Video:

• The Sunjata Story – Glimpse of a Mande Epic, The Sunjata Story – Glimpse of a Mande Epic – YouTube