History documentary on the Mali Cavalry, Knights of Africa! Dive into this period with the book "Griots Tell No Lies" (US link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CSBMW7MN?...) (UK link
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CSBMW7M...)

In this Units of History episode we turn our attention beyon the traditional confines of medieval history to explore the realm of West Africa and in particular the African Knights of the Mali Empire. We begin with a general overview of the region's geography which spans the vast, diverse lands between the Sahrara desert and the Atlantic ocean.

We then explore the rise of the Ghana Empire which set the stage for our story. Upon this great power's fall in the 11th century of Medieval Africa, the region would fall into conflict. For a time the Sosso rose as successors. However they would be challenged by the southern Mandinka people. Their clash for the fate of the realm would be decided by the charge of heavy cavalry. But to understand the dynamics of this fight we cover the equipment, training, tactics, and organization of these Knights of Africa.

Sources:
Spring, Christopher, African Arms and Armour, British Museum Press, 1993
Walker, Robin, When We Ruled: The Ancient and Medieval History of Black Civilizations, Black Classic Press, 2011
Diop, Cheikh Anta, Precolonial Black Africa, A Cappella Books, 1988
Niane, Djibril Tamsir, Sundiata: an Epic of Old Mali, Pearson Longman; 2nd edition, 2006

Music:
"Desert Night" by Luke PN
"Heart of Africa" by Luke PN
"Life in Africa" by Luke PN

Credits:
Research = J. Bela
Script = Invicta
Narration = Guy Michaels
Art = Penta Limited

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Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:57 West Africa
07:00 Origins
10:08 Equipment
15:29 Blacksmithing
16:43 Training
20:53 Organization
22:56 Service History
26:20 Outro

#africa #history #documentary