2.+Sundiata

= = =** Sundiata - background information ** =

= Sundiata was a legendary leader of the kingdom of Mali in the 1200s. He helped lead a rebellion against the Sosso people and their cruel leader, Sumanguru, so that the Mandingo people and Mali could establish an empire. By 1240, he had helped make Mali the most powerful kingdom in Western Africa. His story is one of the most famous stories in Western African history because it tells about overcoming great odds and the freedom of a people. =

(Bullet point style) =** Key Facts ** =


 * It’s believed that Sundiata’s name meant “Hungering Lion” in the Mande language.
 * He was the prince of the Keita clan and his father was the king of Mali’s kingdom.
 * According to the legend of Sundiata, when he was born he couldn’t speak or walk.
 * While Sundiata was growing up, his people were ruled by the more powerful Sosso kingdom and their cruel leader, Sumanguru.
 * (add more… Aim for a total of about 8-10 bullets)

(Sub-topic style) =** Early life ** = =** Sundiata was a member of the Keita clan whose father was king of Mali in the early 1200s. Sundiata’s name meant “Hungering Lion,” and he would overcome significant physical ailments to eventually become king of Mali. Sundiata’s history was never formally written down during his life, so what we know about him comes from a number of different legends. ** =

==**Sumanguru and the Sossos ** ==