Mansa Musa's Lost Fleet: The Niger River Navy of Mali

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Mansa Musa's Lost Fleet: The Niger River Navy of Mali

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We all know Mansa Musa's caravans crossed the Sahara. But what about his river navy? This episode follows the forgotten fleet that patrolled the Niger River, moving goods and soldiers between Niani, Timbuktu, and Gao. Lucas and Luna explore the war canoes called "doni," the role of the riverine farba, and how the Sorko fishermen of the Niger Bend became the empire's eyes on the water. They also uncover a little-known conflict — the 1328 Battle of the Niger Bend, where Musa's fleet broke a Songhai rebellion before it could cut off Timbuktu's trade. Along the way, they discuss the logistics of moving gold, salt, and grain by river, and why Mansa Musa invested in docks and boatyards at Koulikoro and Djenné. It's a side of the Mali Empire you've never heard before. #MansaMusa #MaliEmpire #NigerRiver #Navy #WarCanoes #Doni #Sorko #Songhai #Timbuktu #Niani #Koulikoro #Djenné #Farba #BattleOfTheNigerBend #1328 #WestAfricanHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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