How did the Mali Empire begin?

Like many empires before and since, the Mali Empire began with conquest. The story is told by the poem, the Epic of Sundiata. Sundiata Kieta was the founder of the Mali Empire. Sundiata was the son of the King of the Mandinka people. A prophecy said he would become a great emperor. But, when his father died, the throne was taken by Sundiata’s brother. He went into exile at the court of the King of Mema, who made him one of his key advisors.

Meanwhile, the Sosso Empire conquered the Mandinka people. The Mandinka people asked Sundiata to help them. Still only 18 years old, Sundiata raised an army from Mema and, around 1235, won a great victory at the Battle of Kiriana. Sundiata Kieta was named Mansa (“Emperor”) of a new Mali Empire. Nicknamed “the Lion King” because of his success in battle, Sundiata conquered many other lands, turning his kingdom into a mighty new empire.