mansa

(noun)

A Mandinka word meaning "sultan" (king) or "emperor." It is particularly associated with the Keita dynasty of the Mali Empire, which dominated West Africa from the 13th century to the 15th century.

Related Terms

Examples of mansa in the following topics:

  • Mali

    • Maghan Sundiata was declared "faama of faamas" and received the title "mansa," which translates roughly to emperor.
    • The Mali Empire reached its largest size under the Laye Keita mansas (1312–1389).
    • The first ruler from the Laye lineage was Kankan Musa Keita (or Moussa), also known as Mansa Musa.
    • Mansa Mahmud Keita IV was the last emperor of Manden, according to the Tarikh al-Sudan.
    • Each ruler used the title of mansa, but their authority only extended as far as their own sphere of influence.