--- title: Map of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa, c.1337: Power, Gold, and the Trans-Saharan Trade Network author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18903/map-of-the-mali-empire-under-mansa-musa-c1337/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2026-02-08 --- # Map of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa, c.1337: Power, Gold, and the Trans-Saharan Trade Network _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa, c.1337: Power, Gold, and the Trans-Saharan Trade Network](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18903.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18903.png) ## Image Caption The [Mali Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mali_Empire/) (c. 1235 - c. 1672) emerged in the western Sahel following the decline of the [Ghana Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ghana_Empire/) and rose to prominence under the leadership of [Sundiata Keita](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sundiata_Keita/) (reigned c. 1235 - 1255). Consolidating Mandé-speaking territories along the upper Niger River, Mali developed into a centralized imperial state built upon control of trans-Saharan [trade](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/trade/) routes linking West [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/) to North Africa and the [Mediterranean](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/mediterranean/) world. Its wealth derived primarily from [gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/) production and taxation of commerce in commodities such as salt, [copper](https://www.worldhistory.org/copper/), and enslaved persons, embedding the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) within broader Afro-Eurasian economic networks of the medieval period. At its height in the 14th century, particularly under Mansa Musa (reigned c. 1312–1337), Mali became internationally renowned for both its economic power and its integration into the Islamic world. Royal patronage of scholarship and [architecture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/architecture/) strengthened urban centers such as [Timbuktu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Timbuktu/) and Gao, while administrative organization and tributary governance sustained authority across vast territories. Over time, however, shifting trade patterns, regional fragmentation, and the rise of successor states, most notably the [Songhai Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Songhai_Empire/), reduced Mali’s dominance. By the late 17th century, the empire had fragmented, yet its legacy endured in West African political [culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/culture/), Islamic scholarship, and global economic history. I would like to thank @Martin\_Maansson for his extensive research, inspiration, and [amazing map](https://easyzoom.com/image/218139) of the medieval trade routes. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## External Links - [The Mali Empire](https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/mali-empire/) - [Mali Empire and Djenne Figures](https://africa.si.edu/exhibits/resources/mali/index.htm) - [Medieval Trade Routes Map](https://easyzoom.com/image/218139) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2024, April 29). Map of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa, c.1337: Power, Gold, and the Trans-Saharan Trade Network. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa, c.1337: Power, Gold, and the Trans-Saharan Trade Network." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 29, 2024. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa, c.1337: Power, Gold, and the Trans-Saharan Trade Network." *World History Encyclopedia*, 29 Apr 2024, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 29 April 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.