Government

Mansa Musa examining gold.

MALI Along with the culture itself, Mali took over the gold and salt mines of Ghana. Sundiata was the first king of Mali.  He is the most well known of all the rulers. The king or Uli  came to power and Mali began spreading in all directions.  Mali reached its peak under the ruling of Sundiata's grandson.  None of the kings after Sundiata had his charisma, personal power, or diplomatic and leadership skills.  The grand nephew of Mansa Musa  (MAN-sah moo-SAH) came to power at a time when it seemed that the great kingdom of Mali was without direction.  Mansa Musa was the first ruler of the great three to come in contact and be peaceful to the muslims.

GHANA It is believed that Ghana's capital changed with its ruler.  In 1100 A.D. Ghana's capital had a population of about 15,000.  The savanna cities joined together to make Ghana. Ghana was first ruled by the Maga dynasty.  Recent studies show that Ghana may have of had more than one leading city. The Ghana government kept up good relations with other communities. The civilization of Ghana was eventually taken over by Mali.

SONGHAY The first ruler of Songhay was Sunni Ali Ber. He was also called the Ali the great.  Sunni Ali Ber was a great thinker, a good planner and a fearless conqueror. He ruled the Tuareg people. Sunni Ali Ber also ruled Timbuktu and Djenne. He took them from Mali..  Timbuktu was the capital of Songhay and a trading post.  Sunni Ali, Sunni Ali Ber's nephew, was a great ruler.  Songhay faded away at around in 1591 A.D. when it was attacked by Morocco.

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