Died 1300?
Emperor Of Mali

The Slave Who Became Emperor. Unlike most rulers of the ancient West African kingdoms, Sakura did not come from royal lineage. Starting life as a slave, he was freed, possibly after arriving at the royal court, and subsequently became a government official. After the weakminded and sadistic Mansa Khalifa (ruled 1274-1275)—a degenerate member of the Keita dynasty founded by the great ruler Sundiata—was deposed and killed, the nobles made the easily controlled Abu Bakr their new ruler. On his death, possibly in 1285, Sakura seized the throne and managed to restore order to the deteriorating kingdom.

Conquest and Trade. Mansa Sakura was a powerful leader known for exploring lands and incorporating them into the kingdom of Mali. He extended the empire along the Gambia River to the sea and also encouraged trading activities. After a hiatus during the years...