Sakura

MedievalEmperorMali Empire1250 — 1300

Usurper mansa who expanded Mali, killed on pilgrimage.

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Quick Facts

Born

1250

Died

1300

Country

Mali Empire

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)65

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)46

Leadership (15%)59

Strategy (15%)50

Total Score55.9

Sakura — Complete Timeline

1285 AD

Usurpation of the Mali thronePolitical Action◆ Major

Sakura, a former slave or court official, seized power in the Mali Empire after the death of Abubakari I. His usurpation ended the direct line of Sundiata Keita's descendants, establishing a new ruling dynasty.

UsurpationMali EmpireDynastic Change

Impact: national

1290 AD

Conquest of GaoWar◆ Major

Sakura led a military campaign that conquered the Songhai city of Gao, incorporating it into the Mali Empire. This expansion secured control over key trans-Saharan trade routes and increased Mali's wealth.

ConquestMali EmpireSonghaiTrade

Impact: regional

1300 AD

Pilgrimage to MeccaCultural◆ Major

Sakura undertook the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. During the journey, he was killed by bandits near the port of Tajura. His death ended his reign and allowed the Keita dynasty to reclaim the throne under Mansa Musa's predecessor.

PilgrimageDeathMali Empire

Impact: nationaltragic