Sundiata Keita was a legendary figure in West African history, known as the founder of the Mali Empire in the 13th century. He is celebrated for his role in uniting various tribes and establishing a powerful kingdom that became a center of trade, culture, and learning. His story is often recounted in the epic poem, the Epic of Sundiata, which highlights his early struggles, including overcoming physical challenges and exile. Sundiata's reign marked significant advancements in agriculture, commerce, and governance. He is credited with promoting the Malian economy through trade routes that connected the region to North Africa. His leadership laid the foundation for a prosperous empire that would influence the history and culture of West Africa for centuries.