This unit is one of a series that presents specific moments in history from which students focus on the meanings of landmark events. This unit challenges the idea that Africa was backward and unknown to the outside world before the arrival of the Europeans. It shows that strong leadership and well organized societies had existed in Africa long before European colonialism. Here, as in medieval Europe, kings' strength and respectability heavily depended on the material wealth they possessed. They shared this wealth among their most loyal followers, who in turn shared it among those they ruled or commanded. One of the greatest and most far reaching empires of the later middle ages was in West Africa. The kingdom of Mali stunned both the Muslim and the Christian worlds with its wealth, power, and influence. One of Mali's greatest leaders, the emperor Mansa Musa awakened the world to Mali's greatness in 1324 on his pilgrimage to Mecca when he spent and distributed so much gold that it deflated its price in Cairo for the next 12 years. Several Arab scholars were so impressed by this man that they followed him back to Mali to investigate further this amazing civilization. The writings of these scholars serve as the primary source documents for this unit. Through the examination, interpretation, and synthesis of these writings, students will be able to draw conclusions about the people and culture of Mali, the role of the emperor, and the nature of Mansa Musa himself. Contains seven references. (Author/DK)