Origins & Early Life

Sundiata Keita (Mandinka, Malinke: [sʊndʒæta keɪta]; c. 1217 – c. 1255, N'Ko spelling: ߛߏ߲߬ߖߘߊ߬ ߞߋߕߊ߬; also known as Manding Diara, Lion of Mali, Sogolon Djata, son of Sogolon, Nare Maghan and Sogo Sogo Simbon Salaba) was a prince and founder of the Mali Empire. He was also the great-uncle of the Malian ruler Mansa Musa, who is regarded as the wealthiest person of all time, although there are no reliable ways to accurately calculate his wealth.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Written sources augment the Mande oral histories, with the Moroccan traveller Muhammad ibn Battúta (1304–1368) and the Tunisian historian Ibn Khaldun (1332–1406) both having travelled to Mali in the century after Sundiata's death, and providing independent verification of his existence. The semi-historical but legendary Epic of Sundiata by the Malinké/Maninka people centers on his life. The epic poem is primarily known through oral tradition, transmitted by generations of Maninka griots (djeli or jeliw). The Manden Charter issued during his reign is listed by UNESCO as one of an intangible cultural heritage. The oral traditions relating to Sundiata Keita were passed down generation after generation by the local griots...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Frederick Barbarossa — Contemporary (Died in 1190) (1190): Holy Roman Emperor who dominated Italian politics and expanded imperial authority.
• Ivan Asen II — Contemporary (Born in 1190) (1190): Emperor of Bulgaria, who restored the Second Bulgarian Empire's power and influence.
• Batu Khan — Contemporary (Died in 1255) (1255): Founder of the Golden Horde, a powerful Mongol successor state.
• Duccio — Contemporary (Born in 1255) (1255): Master painter of Siena, credited with the Trecento Gothic style.
• Hulegu Khan — Historical peer (Born in 1217) (1217): Founder of the Ilkhanate, Hulegu Khan dominated West Asia through Mongol might.
• Ibn Battuta — Historical peer (Born in 1304) (1304): Maghrebi scholar and explorer whose travels spanned Africa, Asia, and the Iberian Peninsula.
• Petrarch — Historical peer (Born in 1304) (1304): Pioneering Italian poet and early father of Renaissance Humanism.
• Guy de Chauliac — Historical peer (Died in 1368) (1368): Influential French physician and surgeon, author of Chirurgia magna.
• Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor — Historical peer (Born in 1368) (1368): Holy Roman Emperor and King of Hungary, a pivotal figure in late medieval European history.
• Claus Sluter — Historical peer (Died in 1406) (1406): Master Burgundian sculptor, pioneer of Northern Realism.
• 1190 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1190
• 1255 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1255