estern Africa to the Atlantic Coast. Because of its size, the Malian hierarchy was able to allow local authorities to stay in power. This led to a well- balanced control base because area leaders were better able to make decisions regarding their peoples. The central government was also able to keep command and control over the kingdom through centralized means such as a large military force. In the early 1200s the Malian king, Sundiata Keita, conquered the neighboring Empire of Ghana. This allowed Mali to become one of the richest kingdoms in the world. The salt and gold mines that were taken as spoils of war were very lucrative for exchanging with the North African Muslim traders. Major cities included Tombouctou (Timbuktu), Djenne, and Gao. The wealth of the Empire was well publicized when Mansa or Emperor Musa made the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca. He brought with him thousands of soldiers and officers and five hundred slaves and attendants for his most senior wife. He also brought so much gold that he depres
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