Were the people poor or rich in ancient mali?

In ancient Mali, the wealth distribution was uneven, with a small elite class and a large peasant population. The elite class, which included the king and his court, as well as wealthy merchants and landowners, lived in luxury, while the majority of the population lived in poverty. The country's economy was based on agriculture, trade, and mining, and while there were periods of prosperity, there were also times of famine and hardship for the common people.