Get The App

Download the Josplay app for the best experience.

Download Now

Charts

Discover the latest hits and trending music.

Explore Charts

Podcasts

Stories, music and conversation from Africa and its diaspora.

Browse Podcasts

New Releases

Stay updated with the latest music releases.

See New Releases
← The Mali Empire: The Richest Civilization in History — Fexingo History
The Last Kings of Mali: The Empire's Final Century artwork

The Last Kings of Mali: The Empire's Final Century

The Mali Empire: The Richest Civilization in History — Fexingo History
S4 E18705:13
Play episode

Show notes

In this episode, Lucas and Luna trace the decline of the Mali Empire after its golden age. They explore the succession crises that followed Mansa Suleyman's death in 1360, the devastating Mossi raids of the 14th century, and the steady erosion of imperial authority. The conversation centers on the rise of the Songhai Empire under Sonni Ali, who captured Timbuktu in 1468 and Djenne in 1475, and the ultimate fall of the Keita dynasty when Niani was sacked in the 1490s. Along the way, they discuss the role of the farari (military commanders) and the Gbara (great council) in the empire's unraveling, and reflect on how the empire's own decentralized structure and reliance on trade routes made it vulnerable. The episode ends with a meditation on the legacy of the Mali Empire in West African history and memory. #MaliEmpire #DeclineOfMali #SonniAli #SonghaiEmpire #MansaMaghan #MossiRaids #Timbuktu #Djenne #Niani #KeitaDynasty #Farari #Gbara #WestAfricanHistory #SaharanTrade #14thCentury #15thCentury #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

More from this show

More
  1. Mansa Sakura: The Slave Who Became Mali's King

    Most histories remember Mansa Musa as the face of Mali’s wealth, but before his coronation sat a ruler whose rise was far more unexpected. This episode explores the life of Mansa S…

    S5 E24310:13
  2. The Silk Road of Sand: Mali's Trade Networks

    While Mansa Musa’s gold has overshadowed other aspects of the empire, Mali’s true power lay in its control over trans-Saharan trade routes. This episode explores how the Wangara me…

    S5 E24207:58
  3. Mali's Iron Kings: Blacksmiths and Nyama

    While we often discuss the gold of Mansa Musa or the manuscripts of Timbuktu, the Mali Empire’s foundation was built on iron. This episode explores the vital role of blacksmiths, k…

    S5 E24108:26
  4. The Great Mosque of Djenné: Earth, Faith, and Empire

    While Mansa Musa’s hajj brought Mali global fame, the true heart of its spiritual life pulsed in the Sudano-Sahelian architecture of cities like Djenne. This episode explores how t…

    S5 E24009:36
  5. Mali's Slave Kings and the Wangara Rise

    This episode explores the paradox of Mansa Sakura, a former slave who became one of Mali’s most effective rulers. While earlier episodes covered the Keita dynasty’s military conque…

    S5 E23907:26
  6. Mali's Blacksmith Kings: The Iron That Built an Empire

    While Mansa Musa’s gold dominates the history books, it was iron that actually built the Mali Empire. In this episode, we explore how the Keita dynasty’s roots as blacksmiths shape…

    S5 E23808:53
Now Playing

No Track Playing

The Mali Empire: The Richest Civilization in History — Fexingo History — The Last Kings of Mali: The Empire's Final Century | Podcast | Josplay Music