| − | The Kingdom of Mali (A.D. 1235-1403) was located in West Africa and was mostly Muslim. Ibn Battuta, a Muslim traveler who toured the Islamic regions of the world around A.D. 1352, wrote of his admiration of Mali. It thrived under strong rulers and the very active gold-salt trade across the Sahara. Trade was based on leopard skins, slaves, pepper, ivory, bronze, brass and copper. | + | The Kingdom of '''Mali''' (A.D. 1235-1403) was located in West Africa and was mostly Muslim. The capital city of Timbuktu was a mecca for trade and education. Ibn Battuta, a Muslim traveler who toured the Islamic regions of the world around A.D. 1352, wrote of his admiration of Mali. It thrived under strong rulers and the very active gold-salt trade across the Sahara. Trade was based on leopard skins, slaves, pepper, ivory, bronze, brass and copper. |