The Mali Empire was a powerful West African empire that existed from the 13th to the 17th century. It was located in what is now Mali, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, and parts of Niger and Burkina Faso. The empire was founded by Sundiata Keita, a legendary warrior king, in 1230. The Mali Empire was known for its wealth, which was largely derived from trade. The empire controlled important trade routes that connected West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean world. Gold, salt, and other commodities were traded along these routes, making the Mali Empire one of the wealthiest in the world at the time. The Mali Empire was also known for its vibrant culture and scholarship. The city of Timbuktu, which was located in the heart of the empire, became a major center of Islamic scholarship and learning, and was home to many universities and madrasas. Under the leadership of Sundiata Keita and his successors, the Mali Empire became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in Africa. The empire was known for its abundant gold resources, which were used to finance the construction of impressive architecture, such as the famous Great Mosque of Djenné. The Mali Empire was also known for its thriving trade network, which stretched across the Sahara Desert and into North Africa.