# data[].attributes.body
This is a song about three empires; Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. They refer to Mali as Mecca at one point.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Meltrek: Exploring Ancient Africa -   West Africa Song (Ghana, Mali, Songhai)

# data[].attributes.body
Songhai was ruled by Mansa Musa. So, when he died, Sonni Ali took over the trade routes. Sonni Ali also created a huge army. Similar to what happened to the former ruling empires, when Sonni Ali's son was a bad leader and (you guessed it) the kingdom met its demise.

# data[].attributes.headline
The fall of Ghana... The beginning of Mali.

# data[].attributes.subject
The fall of Ghana... The beginning of Mali.

# data[].attributes.body
Mali had defeated Ghana! They would now begin to have control of part of the salt and gold in their area! It was all up to Mansa Musa now. Mansa Musa was a great leader and was part of the reason that Mali held its place as a great empire for so long, but after Mansa Musa died, weaker rulers came into power. This made the great empire crumble.

# data[].attributes.headline
This is an article about life in Africa. It also has a link to an informational website.

# data[].attributes.subject
This is an article about life in Africa. It also has a link to an informational website.

# data[].attributes.body
I saw a pattern in the growth and demise of each of these empires. When one empire fell another grew. Ghana rose into power around the year 700 c.e. and was also between two sought-after resources; gold and salt. Around the year 1100, Ghana started to decline. It was hurt by a severe drought coupled with an attack from an outside force. A new leader came into power in Ghana, but was easily defeated by the ruler of Mali.