Units of History - Mali Cavalry - Knights of Africa (1235) DOCUMENTARY

Video Description

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?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_NG25M2V1BX5WB4DX8J2E&language=en-US) (UK link https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CSBMW7MN?nodl=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_6DQJ88KWK1X5AMYGFBNN&language=en-GB&dplnkId=d5c97219-e5b5-4894-a102-23b3a618ceb1) 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 Other Units of Africa Nubian Archers https://youtu.be/qvO3_kYRRw8?si=uZU_v0llG8EEWzwS Numidian Cavalry https://youtu.be/3tv7EbkrX38?si=Od9YOK0f5umzjyBZ Sacred Band of Carthage https://youtu.be/oX3y1GYcCEY?si=Wwn6eKMQPyAb-ww4 Carthaginian War Elephants https://youtu.be/hDSRHGFCWEo?si=FCL-J7gUvR_vS9Zl 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