14th century – 14th century
Mali Empire, Western Sudan
The Mali succession struggles of 1373–1390 were a sequence of contests over the imperial throne following the death of Mari Jata II. Musa II became a weakly independent ruler under the dominance of Mari Jata III; Magha II was killed after a year; Sandaki seized power without a legitimate royal claim and was assassinated; and Mahmud finally restored the throne to a descendant of Sunjata in 1390.
Continue exploring
The Story
The succession crisis began after Mari Jata II died in 1373. His son Musa became mansa, but the new ruler could not control the kingship. Mari Jata III, a powerful councilor outside the royal family, took effective control of the government while Musa II remained the recognized but secluded sovereign.
After Musa II died in 1387, his brother Magha II succeeded him but ruled for only one year before being killed. Sandaki, who had married Musa II’s mother, then became the ruler despite lacking a legitimate claim to authority. His position lasted only a few months, ending when a member of the royal family assassinated him.
In 1390 Mahmud, a descendant of Sunjata, recaptured the throne. The episode illustrates the vulnerability of Mali’s monarchy to rival royal branches, powerful councilors, and military violence. Although the dynasty recovered the throne, the succession disputes contributed to the broader weakening of imperial power and the eventual loss of distant frontiers.
14th century – 14th century
Mali Empire, Western Sudan
The Mali succession struggles of 1373–1390 were a sequence of contests over the imperial throne following the death of Mari Jata II. Musa II became a weakly independent ruler under the dominance of Mari Jata III; Magha II was killed after a year; Sandaki seized power without a legitimate royal claim and was assassinated; and Mahmud finally restored the throne to a descendant of Sunjata in 1390.
Continue exploring
The Story
The succession crisis began after Mari Jata II died in 1373. His son Musa became mansa, but the new ruler could not control the kingship. Mari Jata III, a powerful councilor outside the royal family, took effective control of the government while Musa II remained the recognized but secluded sovereign.
After Musa II died in 1387, his brother Magha II succeeded him but ruled for only one year before being killed. Sandaki, who had married Musa II’s mother, then became the ruler despite lacking a legitimate claim to authority. His position lasted only a few months, ending when a member of the royal family assassinated him.
In 1390 Mahmud, a descendant of Sunjata, recaptured the throne. The episode illustrates the vulnerability of Mali’s monarchy to rival royal branches, powerful councilors, and military violence. Although the dynasty recovered the throne, the succession disputes contributed to the broader weakening of imperial power and the eventual loss of distant frontiers.
Continue the journey
Other paths related to this story.