Whether we realize it or not, stories and characters from Timbuktu are everywhere in our modern-day lives.

The great Mansa Musa was the most iconic king of the Mali Empire. Considered to be one of the richest men ever, Mansa Musa is not only the right answer to a commonly asked trivia question but also one of the inspirations behind Marvel's Black Panther. Although the other kings who reigned over Timbuktu may not be known quite as well as Mansa Musa, their lives have also inspired stories we are quite familiar with today.

Likely the second most well-known character in Timbuktu's history is Mansa Sundiata, and although you may not know him by name, you may recognize his nickname: the Lion King. Many people throughout the years believe he may have served as an inspiration for Disney's iconic movie.

Timbuktu was once a conglomerate of trade, education, arts, and religion, attracting settlers and visitors from all over the world, similar to the massive cities of today. So, how did a city that could be titled the New York City or London of its time become synonymous with the middle of nowhere?

Learn about Timbuktu's various leaders, the people's struggle to regain power, and why such a great city is now almost in ruins.

In this book, you will learn about:

• The foundation of Timbuktu and some believed translations of its name
• The life of the Tuaregs, the original people of Timbuktu
• The creation of the Mali Empire and its acquisition of Timbuktu
• The various mansas of the Mali Empire, including the great Mansa Musa
• The collapse of the Mali Empire
• The creation and early stages of the Songhai Empire
• The various kings of the Songhai Empire who transformed Timbuktu
• The collapse of the Songhai Empire and Morocco's occupation in Timbuktu
• The early Tuareg rebellions and the transfer of power in Timbuktu between the various groups still inhabiting the city during the Moroccan occupation
• The French acquisition of Morocco and Timbuktu
• French Sudan's (modern-day Mali's) road to independence
• The creation of the Republic of Mali
• The modern-day struggles in Timbuktu between the Tuareg rebels and the terrorist occupations
• The current state of Timbuktu and what's in store in its future

Scroll up and click the "add to cart" button to learn all that and more about Timbuktu!