Sundiata Keita

Sundiata Keita (c. 1217–c. 1255), called the Lion of Mali, was the son of the Mandinka ruler Naré Maghann Konaté and the founder of the Mali Empire. Epic tradition tells that as a child he could not walk until he pulled himself up on a baobab branch; persecution after his father's death drove him into exile at Mema, and he returned to free his people from Soumaoro Kanté, king of Sosso.

Around 1235 Mandinka chiefs rallied to him and he defeated Soumaoro at Kirina. He became the first Mandinka ruler to take the title mansa, ruling from Niani over a federation controlling the goldfields and trade routes.

He died around 1255, traditionally drowned in the Sankarani River near Niani; Mandinka custom forbids naming great kings' burial places. His sons succeeded him in turn, and the empire he founded lasted until 1610, reaching its height under his great-nephew Mansa Musa.