Sociological reflections on the empire of Mali (1300 AD)

This article examines the myths and the truth of the ancient African civilization. It also sheds some sociological light on the second great Sahelian kingdom of Mali as an example of the ancient West African kingdoms. It demonstrates the level of civilization, wealth, and power this empire had during the Middle Ages. Also, the ambitiousness of its kings through the discovery of trade routes via the high seas, its level of importance as a cultural, learning and trade centre, the influence of its cities and the development of its urban centres, and its socioeconomic relationships with other African and non‐African peoples. It concludes with a discussion of the influence of the Arabic‐Islamic culture on the Mali Empire and illustrates its points with the advanced culture, and the use of the Dogo people and their exploration of outer space.