Keita Sunjata

Sunjata, Keita

 

(also Sundiata, Soundiata). Died 1250 or 1255. Ruler of the medieval state of Mali from about 1230 to 1250 or 1255.

Sunjata conquered vast territories along the upper reaches of the Niger and Senegal rivers. He founded the city of Niani, which he made his capital. During his rule, large estates were granted to military commanders, and the conquered population became dependent peasants, which hastened the formation of an early feudal society.

REFERENCES

Sund’iata: Mandingskii epos. Moscow-Leningrad, 1963. (Translated from French.)
Levtzion, N. Ancient Ghana and Mali. London, 1973.