Mali Empire

108AD - 180AD

The **Mali Empire** was a major empire located in Western Africa during the Classic Era. It was the second empire of African origin, the first being the northern Libyan Empire. During its peak of influence, it controlled the majority of West Africa, most of Central Africa including the Congo region, as well as Michigan and Argentina. They were one of only two nations who backed Scotland during the events of the First Worlda War.

While it was quite powerful even after Scotland's fall, its later emperors were unable to prevent frequent rebellions and the empire began losing territory, eventually leaving it with only a small section of west Africa. It fell during the Libyan conquest of Mali in 180AD.

## History

The Mali Empire was originally founded in the region of Timbuktu in 108AD, becoming the second important African state to exist. Soon afterwards, it began growing outwards from Mali, eventually reaching and bordering Scotland and Byzantium. It quickly annexed large chunks of free land around it. Soon after, it took a coastline to its south and began expanding in the remaining area surrounding it. It began to look for colonies soon afterwards.

The Mali Empire began its expansion outside of Africa with South America. In 110AD, the Mali Empire landed in southern Brazil, temporarily causing some minor controversy with Scotland. It was later resolved by both parties, and tensions decreased. In 124AD, Mali took control of the Great Lakes region with help from New Portugal and Scotland.

During the First Worlda War, they ended up siding with the Scottish Empire, leading to a temporarily rift between them and New Portugal. After the war had calmed down, their relations recovered and they bought the Colonial Empire's holdings in South America, greatly expanding their colonial empire.

The Mali Empire began to decline in power after the death of Keita II in 151AD, with Libya taking advantage of the ascension of a child emperor and invading northern Mali. However, Libya made no advancements beyond the far north, and they ceased their operations against Mali afterwards. Mali themselves were unable to retake the land, due to their own military being disorganized. They would end up losing territories in the following years, including parts of their colonies.

Keita III's assassination in 163AD marked another sharp decline in Mali's power, leaving it as only a minor power within Africa. Suleyman Keita was unable to regain any of Mali's former territory, instead focusing on restabilizing the state. While it was successful, Mali was never able to return to its previous strength. Suleyman was succeeded by Kassa Keita.

Kassa Keita was also unable to rebuild the state, and would end up becoming the last emperor of an independent Mali, as the empire was invaded and annexed by both Magadha and Libya. Kassa remained as a vassal king under Libya until the War on Libya.

## Family History

Keita I married in 108AD, and his wife gave birth in 109AD. Keita I died in 127AD. Keita II's wife gave birth twice, in 143AD and in 146AD. Keita II died in 151 AD. His son Keita III was assassinated in 163 AD. Suleyman Keita died during the 170s.