One of the largest empires the world has ever known, the Empire of Mali flourished in West Africa from 1235 CE until 1464. The empire remains well known for its wealth and significant cultural influence, still felt hundreds of years later, both in modern Mali and its neighbors. The language, laws, and customs of the Empire of Mali spread throughout West Africa and along the Niger River, creating an enduring legacy that continues to influence and characterize the region. The empire’s rich history, enthralling folklore, transporting art and music, enduring cultural and political influence, and modern-day legacy are all presented here in vivid color and dynamic presentation, with a treasure trove of full-cover photographs, maps, illustrations, and artwork. Among other standards, this text supports Common Core’s mandate regarding analyzing the relationship between primary and secondary sources, citing evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, and determining the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source.