Hello.
I`ve decided to write quick AAR after having interesting game as Mali empire. Game starts at 1399, and I`m using MMP2 v.1.15 mod. Style will be similar to my 'History of the W.E.' AAR, (which is on hold). I`ll try to resist European colonialism, survive and modernise.
Chapter I - History of Mali until year 1390
Pre imperial period
Mali existed as several small kingdoms long before later unification, in the region known as Manden, south of Soninke Empire of Wagadou. Known also as Ghana Empire, it reached peak of it`s power and domination in Western Africa during 11th century. Eventually, it subjugated most of Mandinke kingdoms, that became it`s tributaries. During second half of 11th century, Empire fell victim to Almoravids invading from the north, who wanted to seize control over lucrative trans-Saharan trade routes, and spread influence of Islam to the south. Even though Berber invaders were successful on the field of battle, they couldn`t hold newly acquired territories, and after 14 years they were driven off from the region by weakened Soninke. However, Wagadou Empire never regained former power, and most of their provinces splintered into many independent kingdoms. Same thing happened in Manden, that was divided into 12 petty kingdoms.
In 1140, former subjects of Wagadou, Sosso tribes, decided to fill void created after it`s decline. Newly established Kaniaga kingdom began brutal conquest of teritorries held by their former overlords, eventually subjugating Soninke people themselves, in year 1180. 12 Malinke city-states also came under rule of Sosso.
Around year 1234, continuously oppressive rule of Kaniaga triggered rebellion in it`s dependent territories. Leadership over rebel army was given to young Sundiata Keita, maghan (prince) of Niani, one of the city-states of Mali. Thanks to initial successes he managed to unite all Mandinke city-states under one banner, as well as Wagadou and Mema state. After victorious battle of Kirina, in 1235, power of Sosso was completely broken, and 18 years old Sundiata was proclaimed first Mansa (Emperor) of Mali, later known as Mari Djata I.
Manden Kurufa.
Mari Djata became a ruler of federation of 12 Mandinke city-states, called Manden Kurufa. Wagadou and Mema kingdoms became vassal states, that retained some degree of autonomy, but over following decades they were gradually absorbed. Foundation of new Empire was Kourkan Fouga - constitution, that regulated laws and responsibilities of citizens, as well as government mechanisms. It also established Gbara - great assembly that consisted of representatives from major clans and castes. Niani became capital of the new country.
Mari Djata and his descendants conquered many neighbouring lands, and at the beginning of 14th century Mali stretched from Atlantic in the west, to Songhai lands in the east. Even though power of Mansas` was relatively weak, and provinces elected their own Dyamani-tiguis (governors), Empire was at the peak of it`s power. Taxation of trans-Saharan trade, and abundance of gold deposits, turned Mali into one of the richest African states of that period. Extensive mining and trade of gold, was carefully regulated by governmental administration - to prevent it`s depreciation. Empire maintained semi-professional army of several tens of thousands infantry, and cavalry.
Mansa Musa
One of the most famous rulers of that period was Mansa Musa. He was one of the first truly devout Muslim on throne of Mali. In year 1324 he peacefully annexed city of Timbuktu, known for it`s scholarship. It soon became important religious, cultural, and commercial centre of West Africa. But one of the most impressive feats of Musa was his pilgrimage to Mecca, due to which Mali became widely known outside Africa. Travelling with huge, and extravagant procession, as well as enormous load of gold, he didn`t hesitate to give it to every encountered ruler or city. Due to sudden influx of large amount of gold, value of that metal decreased throughout whole Middle East for several years.
During reigns of his successors, golden age of Mali was about to end. Because of bad economical decision, several rebellions and palace coups, power and authority of each successive Mansa was diminishing, and that of regional oligarchs increased. In year 1375 rulers of Songhai rebelled successfully, becoming increasingly bigger threat for Mali in following years.
Countries of North-Western Africa in year 1390
.
I`ve decided to write quick AAR after having interesting game as Mali empire. Game starts at 1399, and I`m using MMP2 v.1.15 mod. Style will be similar to my 'History of the W.E.' AAR, (which is on hold). I`ll try to resist European colonialism, survive and modernise.
Chapter I - History of Mali until year 1390
Pre imperial period
Mali existed as several small kingdoms long before later unification, in the region known as Manden, south of Soninke Empire of Wagadou. Known also as Ghana Empire, it reached peak of it`s power and domination in Western Africa during 11th century. Eventually, it subjugated most of Mandinke kingdoms, that became it`s tributaries. During second half of 11th century, Empire fell victim to Almoravids invading from the north, who wanted to seize control over lucrative trans-Saharan trade routes, and spread influence of Islam to the south. Even though Berber invaders were successful on the field of battle, they couldn`t hold newly acquired territories, and after 14 years they were driven off from the region by weakened Soninke. However, Wagadou Empire never regained former power, and most of their provinces splintered into many independent kingdoms. Same thing happened in Manden, that was divided into 12 petty kingdoms.
In 1140, former subjects of Wagadou, Sosso tribes, decided to fill void created after it`s decline. Newly established Kaniaga kingdom began brutal conquest of teritorries held by their former overlords, eventually subjugating Soninke people themselves, in year 1180. 12 Malinke city-states also came under rule of Sosso.
Around year 1234, continuously oppressive rule of Kaniaga triggered rebellion in it`s dependent territories. Leadership over rebel army was given to young Sundiata Keita, maghan (prince) of Niani, one of the city-states of Mali. Thanks to initial successes he managed to unite all Mandinke city-states under one banner, as well as Wagadou and Mema state. After victorious battle of Kirina, in 1235, power of Sosso was completely broken, and 18 years old Sundiata was proclaimed first Mansa (Emperor) of Mali, later known as Mari Djata I.
Manden Kurufa.
Mari Djata became a ruler of federation of 12 Mandinke city-states, called Manden Kurufa. Wagadou and Mema kingdoms became vassal states, that retained some degree of autonomy, but over following decades they were gradually absorbed. Foundation of new Empire was Kourkan Fouga - constitution, that regulated laws and responsibilities of citizens, as well as government mechanisms. It also established Gbara - great assembly that consisted of representatives from major clans and castes. Niani became capital of the new country.
Mari Djata and his descendants conquered many neighbouring lands, and at the beginning of 14th century Mali stretched from Atlantic in the west, to Songhai lands in the east. Even though power of Mansas` was relatively weak, and provinces elected their own Dyamani-tiguis (governors), Empire was at the peak of it`s power. Taxation of trans-Saharan trade, and abundance of gold deposits, turned Mali into one of the richest African states of that period. Extensive mining and trade of gold, was carefully regulated by governmental administration - to prevent it`s depreciation. Empire maintained semi-professional army of several tens of thousands infantry, and cavalry.
Mansa Musa
One of the most famous rulers of that period was Mansa Musa. He was one of the first truly devout Muslim on throne of Mali. In year 1324 he peacefully annexed city of Timbuktu, known for it`s scholarship. It soon became important religious, cultural, and commercial centre of West Africa. But one of the most impressive feats of Musa was his pilgrimage to Mecca, due to which Mali became widely known outside Africa. Travelling with huge, and extravagant procession, as well as enormous load of gold, he didn`t hesitate to give it to every encountered ruler or city. Due to sudden influx of large amount of gold, value of that metal decreased throughout whole Middle East for several years.
During reigns of his successors, golden age of Mali was about to end. Because of bad economical decision, several rebellions and palace coups, power and authority of each successive Mansa was diminishing, and that of regional oligarchs increased. In year 1375 rulers of Songhai rebelled successfully, becoming increasingly bigger threat for Mali in following years.
Countries of North-Western Africa in year 1390
.
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