The Ancient Civilization of Mali was once a powerful empire located along the Niger River in West Africa during the 14th century. It controlled trans-Saharan trade routes and gained wealth through exporting gold and salt, using cowrie shells as currency. Mali rose to power under the rule of Sundiata, who founded the Mali Empire, and later flourished during the reign of Mansa Musa, who spread Islam and led a golden age. However, Mali's power declined in the 14th century as European sea trade replaced the trans-Saharan routes.