History - Junior Secondary 2 - Mali Empire - Location of the Mali Empire

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 5 and 6

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 2

AGE: 13 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:- Mali empire - Location of the Mali Empire

Socio-political structure of the Malian people

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Discuss the location of the Malian empire and the origin of the Malian people
2. ) Explain the socio-political structure and economic activities of the Malian people

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: recommended history textbooks for Junior Secondary School 2

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 5

NOTE.

THE MALIAN EMPIRE

• Geographic Area: The Malian Empire, which existed from the 13th to the 16th centuries, was located in West Africa, primarily in what is now modern-day Mali. It encompassed a vast area that included parts of Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, and Niger.
• Key Cities: The empire’s capital was Timbuktu, known for its cultural and educational significance, and Gao, a major trading hub. Djenne was another important city, famous for its monumental mosque and as a center of trade and scholarship.

Origin of the Malian People

• Ethnic Groups:

The Malian Empire was home to various ethnic groups, primarily the Mandinka, who played a crucial role in its establishment and governance. Other groups included the Soninke, Fulani, and Songhai.

• Formation of the Empire:

The empire emerged from the earlier Ghana Empire and was consolidated under the leadership of Sundiata Keita, who united various tribes and established a centralized state around the late 12th century. The empire's origin is deeply tied to the legend of Sundiata, who is celebrated in oral traditions as a heroic figure who overcame adversity to unify the Malinke people.

EVALUATION:

1. Where was the Malian Empire located in relation to modern-day countries?
2. What were the key cities of the Malian Empire, and why were they significant?
3. Which ethnic group primarily contributed to the formation of the Malian Empire?
4. Who was Sundiata Keita, and what role did he play in the establishment of the Malian Empire?
5. What legends or oral traditions are associated with the origin of the Malian people?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 6

NOTE

THE MALIAN EMPIRE

Socio-Political Structure and Economic Activities of the Malian People

Socio-Political Structure

• Centralized Monarchy: The Malian Empire was ruled by a king known as the Mansa, who held supreme authority over the empire. The most famous Mansa was Mansa Musa, known for his wealth and pilgrimage to Mecca.
• Bureaucratic System: The empire had a well-organized administrative structure with various officials responsible for different regions, including governors, tax collectors, and military commanders. This bureaucracy helped maintain control over the vast territories of the empire.
• Councils of Elders: Local governance often involved councils of elders who provided counsel to the Mansa and helped in decision-making at the community level. These councils played a vital role in maintaining social order and resolving disputes.

Economic Activities

• Agriculture: The Malian economy was primarily agrarian, with farmers cultivating crops such as millet, sorghum, and rice along the Niger River. The fertile lands supported agricultural productivity, which was essential for sustaining the population.
• Trade: The empire thrived on trans-Saharan trade, exporting gold, salt, ivory, and kola nuts. Timbuktu became a significant trading hub, attracting merchants from various regions, including North Africa and Europe.
• Gold Mining: Mali was one of the world's largest producers of gold during its height, with significant mining operations in areas like Bambuk and Bure. The wealth generated from gold trade played a critical role in the empire’s prosperity.
• Craftsmanship: Artisanship flourished in the Malian Empire, with skilled craftsmen producing textiles, pottery, and leather goods. These crafts contributed to the local economy and trade networks.
• Education and Culture: The empire was also known for its emphasis on education, with institutions like the University of Timbuktu attracting scholars and students from across the Islamic world. This focus on education enhanced cultural and intellectual exchange, further enriching the empire.

EVALUATION:   

1. What was the title of the ruler of the Malian Empire, and what was his role?
2. How did the bureaucratic system in the Malian Empire help maintain control over its territories?
3. What role did councils of elders play in the governance of local communities within the Malian Empire?
4. What were the primary agricultural products cultivated by the Malian people?
5. How did trans-Saharan trade contribute to the economic prosperity of the Malian Empire?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively