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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Ghana and Mali?

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Ghana and Mali were two of Africa's greatest ancient civilizations, with the Ghana kingdom founded around 750 AD and the Mali kingdom emerging in 1240 after taking over Ghana. They shared some similarities and differences in terms of culture, education, and trade.

Similarities between Ghana and Mali include:

  • Both empires used gold dust in trade.
  • They utilized rivers for trade advantages.

Differences between Ghana and Mali include:

  • The Ghana Empire lasted from 750 AD to 1200 AD, while the Mali Empire lasted from 1200 AD.
  • The Mali Empire was more powerful and had a greater extent in terms of territories held.
  • The Mali Empire was more international in nature than the Ghana Empire and had contacts with many other countries.
  • In the Mali Empire, education was a significant part of their culture, with Mansa Musa, the leader of the Mali empire, focusing on spreading the Islamic religion throughout Mali.

Both empires played a significant role in the development of trade and commerce in West Africa, and their legacies continue to shape the region's history.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Ghana and Mali?
  • Comparative Table: Ghana vs Mali

    • Comparative Table: Ghana vs Mali

    Based on the available information, here is a table comparing the differences between Ghana and Mali:

    Feature Ghana Mali
    Location West African country bordering the Gulf of Guinea Landlocked country in West Africa
    Empires Ghana Empire lasted from 750 AD to 1200 AD Mali Empire lasted from 1200 AD
    Capital Capital of Ghana Empire was Kumbi Saleh Capital of Mali Empire was Djeriba, later shifted to Niani, and eventually Mali
    International Nature Ghana Empire was more focused on regional trade Mali Empire was more international in nature, with contacts with many other empires
    Origin Ghana Empire developed around 300 A.D and covered a larger area comprising modern Mali, Senegal, and Mauritania Mali Empire emerged in the 11th century, built upon the ruins of the Ghana Empire after the attack of the Almoravids

    Please note that the information provided is based on the available search results and may not cover all the differences between Ghana and Mali.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.