Sundiata Keita

Sundiata Keita (c. 1217 – c. 1255) was a prince and the founder of the Mali Empire. Known by numerous titles including "Manding Diara," "Lion of Mali," "Sogolon Djata," and "Sogo Sogo Simbon Salaba," he established one of West Africa's most powerful medieval kingdoms. Notably, he was the great-uncle of Mansa Musa, who is frequently cited as the wealthiest person in history, though accurately calculating such historical wealth remains challenging.

Historical documentation of Sundiata comes from both written and oral sources. The Moroccan traveler Muhammad ibn Battúta (1304-1368) and Tunisian historian Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406) both journeyed to Mali in the century following Sundiata's death, providing independent verification of his existence. The legendary Epic of Sundiata forms the centerpiece of Malinké/Maninka oral tradition and has been preserved through generations of Maninka griots (professional storytellers known as djeli or jeliw).

Sundiata's legacy includes the Manden Charter, issued during his reign, which UNESCO has recognized as an element of intangible cultural heritage. This charter represents one of the world's oldest constitutions and established principles for governance in the Mali Empire.