<<ALT TAG: This image features the king at its center, with a rider approaching from the left. The background features numerous locations, much like a map.>>
This image depicts Mansa Musa, the first Mali king (1280-1337), holding a golden nugget. During Mali rule, Timbuktu earned its reputation as a place of great trade, wealth, and learning. When the Songhai empire took control of the very wealthy city in the 1460s, Timbuktu experienced some turmoil. However, later under Askia Mohammad I, the city enjoyed prosperity (1493-1598).
<<ALT TAG: This is a map of North-west Africa. It features the trade routes that dominated the era.>>
This is part of a map made by Dutch cartographer Abraham Ortelius. According to the Timbuktu exhibit of the Library of Congress, Ortelius’ map reveals the primacy of land travel and trade routes in 16th century Africa. Despite being created in 1572 (during the decline of the city), the map still indicates the importance of Timbuktu as a place of trade.
<<ALT TAG: This is a page from the Tract on Politics. It is written in Arabic.>>
This is part of a Maghili’s Tract on Politics written by Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-Maghili. In the work, the author answers seven questions asked by the Emperor of Songhai. In this section, the author argues that because the Emperor is required to follow Islamic law, he needs to apply the advice of Islamic scholars to all aspects of his rule, including economics and politics. While scholars, courtiers, and rulers were Muslim, inhabitants in the rural areas outside the city followed traditional beliefs.