Summary:
The greatest ruler in African history and one of the greatest of the ancient world, Sundiata came to control ancient Mali and its surrounding area. Some historians argue that Sundiata's power was based soley on religion, namely Islam. Based on a reading of N. T. Diane's book Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali, however, it is apparent that Sundiata also used many conventional methods to gain and remain in power, such as political alliances and military strategy.
Religion Or Convention: The Basis of Sundiata's Power
The great Machiavelli once said, "Whoever wishes to foresee the future must consult the past; for human events ever resemble those of preceding times." Indeed, the study of history is important as history does seem to repeat itself. Many people in today's society learn about the past from textbooks and other books, as these are of easy access. Is this really the best way to learn about the past? The people of ancient Africa did not think so, as they had special people called "griots"who passed the people's traditions and history down orally from generation to generation. One such griot, Mamadou Kouyate, recalls the story of the most famous ruler in African history, Sundiata, in D.T. Niane's book Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali. This book has become.....
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