Sundiata grew up in obscurity, away from the power struggles that had embroiled his family and led to the collapse of the Mali empire. It was only when his father's realm was threatened by the Sosso (or Susu) forces of Soumaoro that Sundiata returned from his exile.
Legend says that Sundiata was originally a sickly and introverted child, but that a magical transformation cured him of his afflictions. He then developed into a skilled warrior and leader. However, Soumaoro was a formidable opponent and Sundiata suffered several setbacks in his quest to reconquer Mali.
Ultimately, Sundiata's success came through forming a coalition of Mandingo clans and other kingdoms with the common goal of defeating Soumaoro. In a decisive battle at Kirina in 1235, Sundiata's forces gained the upper hand. Although legend recounts that Sundiata personally confronted and killed Soumaoro in single combat, it is more likely that the Sosso king drowned while fleeing the battlefield.
With the defeat of Soumaoro, Sundiata became the new mansa (emperor) of Mali. He then went on to build one of the largest and most powerful empires in West Africa.
