Mansa Musa and Mali Empire

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: readinghistoryela
Standards: CA HSS 6.7RH.6-8.1RH.6-8.2RH.6-8.4
Languages: English, Spanish

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What's included

Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

Auto-graded

Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

Bilingual support

About this reader

This rigorous history reading passage introduces students to Mansa Musa, one of the most significant rulers of the Mali Empire in West Africa. Covering his rise to power in the fourteenth century, the passage explores the geographic, economic, and cultural factors that led to Mali’s prosperity, Mansa Musa's famous pilgrimage to Mecca, and the far-reaching impact of his rule on world history. Students will analyze primary evidence, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and learn key academic vocabulary such as 'caravan,' 'pilgrimage,' and 'manuscript.' This resource aligns with CA HSS 6.7 and CCSS RH.6-8.1, and includes a Spanish translation, glossary, timeline, comprehension quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers—all designed to foster historical thinking and literacy for middle schoolers. Read aloud audio and interactive activities provide additional support for diverse learners.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

Depiction of Mansa Musa, ruler of the Mali Empire in the 14th century, from a 1375 Catalan Atlas of the known world (mapamundi), drawn by Abraham Cresques of Mallorca. Musa is shown holding a gold nugget and wearing a European-style crown. / Wikimedia Commons

The Mali Empire, located in West Africa, became one of the largest and richest empires in the world during the fourteenth century. Its most celebrated ruler was Mansa Musa, who reigned from 1312 to 1337. Under his leadership, Mali expanded its territory, increased its wealth, and became a center of learning and culture.

The empire’s prosperity was closely connected to the trans-Saharan trade routes. Mali controlled the exchange of gold and salt, two of the most valuable resources in the ancient world. Gold from Mali’s mines was traded for salt from the Sahara Desert. Salt was essential for preserving food and maintaining health. Caravans of camels transported these goods across the desert to North Africa and beyond. As a result, cities like Timbuktu and Gao became bustling centers of commerce and culture.

Mansa Musa is perhaps best known for his famous pilgrimage, or hajj, to the Islamic holy city of Mecca in 1324. He traveled with a vast entourage of thousands of people and hundreds of camels loaded with gold. Ancient accounts describe how Mansa Musa distributed so much gold along his route that he caused a drop in its value in Egypt. This remarkable journey demonstrated the wealth and power of Mali and helped put West Africa on the map for European and Middle Eastern scholars and traders. During his travels, Mansa Musa attracted architects and scholars to return with him to Mali, where they built grand mosques and established schools. The Sankore Mosque in Timbuktu, for example, became a renowned center for Islamic manuscripts and education.

Mansa Musa’s reign brought significant change to Mali. He encouraged the growth of cities, supported the spread of Islam, and invested in education. However, the empire maintained many traditional African customs alongside Islamic practices. Over time, Mali’s power declined due to internal conflict and the rise of rival kingdoms, but its legacy of wealth, scholarship, and cultural exchange continued to influence West Africa for centuries.

The story of Mansa Musa and the Mali Empire shows how geography, trade, and leadership can shape a civilization. By examining primary sources like the Catalan Atlas and archaeological evidence from Timbuktu, historians learn about the connections between Africa and the wider medieval world.

Interesting Fact: Mansa Musa is sometimes called the richest person in history—his fortune was so great it is difficult for historians to estimate its true value!

When did Mansa Musa rule Mali?

1312-13371200-12501400-14501500-1550

What two goods made Mali rich?

Gold and saltCopper and oilSpices and wheatIvory and tea

Which city became a center of learning?

TimbuktuCairoMeccaLisbon

Why was the pilgrimage important?

It showed Mali’s wealthIt caused a warIt started a new religionIt ended Mali’s trade

What effect did giving away gold have?

Gold’s value droppedGold became rareGold was bannedSalt became worthless

How did Mansa Musa improve education?

Built schools and mosquesClosed all schoolsBanned booksTaught only farming