The Mali Empire was a empire of Africa, located by the current day country of Mali, Senegal, southern Mauritania, northern Burkina Faso,  western Niger, and many more. It's position accessed natural resources including gold and and salt and had major crucial trade routes that also led to many strategic military positions.

Graysen Radley

the Mali empire had a very rich art and architecture scene, with monumental pieces, such as the mosque of Djenne and the Djenne terracotta's.  

The Mali Empire was one of the richest Empire's in Africa. It traded gold, salt, and more across the Sahara desert. this caused Mali to become a powerful center for trade and learning across the world. Trade & Economics

Islamic beliefs was the main religion in Mali at the time of 1200 A.D. these beliefs where introduced by the king of this Empire. he was also named in modern day as "the richest man in history" Mansa Musa. 

During the Mali Empire at the time the empire consisted of many rulers. Sundiata Keita(1230-1255) was  a Malike prince.    The assembly gave him such honorary titles such as the Mari Diata which means  the lord's lion.