The West African empire that became wealthy from trade in gold and salt during the medieval period was the Mali Empire. Flourishing from the 13th to 16th centuries, the Mali Empire controlled key trade routes across the Sahara Desert, attracting merchants and traders from various regions. Gold was particularly valuable, while salt was essential for preserving food, making both commodities highly sought after. Under the leadership of rulers like Mansa Musa, the empire prospered and became renowned for its wealth, cultural achievements, and centers of learning, such as Timbuktu, which became a significant hub for education and Islamic scholarship during its height.