Part 2: The Expansion of the Mandinka Empire The Rise of the Mandinka: A Memoir from Ancient Mali

The Mandinka Empire was founded in the 13th century by the great warrior Sundiata Keita. After his death, the empire was expanded by his successors, who sought to spread the influence of the Mandinka people across the region.

The first expansion of the Mandinka Empire occurred in the late 13th century, when Sundiata's son, Mansa Musa, led a successful campaign to conquer the neighboring kingdom of Gao. This victory allowed the Mandinka to extend their control over the region, and to begin trading with the other kingdoms in the area.

The next major expansion of the Mandinka Empire occurred in the early 14th century, when Mansa Musa's son, Mansa Sulayman, led a successful campaign to conquer the kingdom of Timbuktu. This victory allowed the Mandinka to extend their control over the region, and to begin trading with the other kingdoms in the area.

The final major expansion of the Mandinka Empire occurred in the late 14th century, when Mansa Sulayman's son, Mansa Musa II, led a successful campaign to conquer the kingdom of Songhai. This victory allowed the Mandinka to extend their control over the region, and to begin trading with the other kingdoms in the area.

The expansion of the Mandinka Empire was a major event in the history of the region. The Mandinka people were able to spread their influence and culture across the region, and to establish a powerful and prosperous empire. This period of expansion was a major factor in the development of the region, and it helped to shape the culture and history of the region for centuries to come.