Malians

The Malians are an African civilization feautured in the upcoming expansion pack Age of Empires II HD: The African Kingdoms.

Historically, the Malians were known for their very progressive society that puts a lot of emphasis on education and was one of the largest educational centers in the world that brought scholars from China, the Middle East, and Europe. To highlight this achievement, their team bonus increases the research speed for University technologies.

West African cultures held women in high esteem, and Malian women participated in every part of society, including the military. This is highlighted with their unique unit, the Gbeto, where it is noted to be the only unique unit that is a female soldier.

The Mali and Songhai empires were known to be some of the wealthiest kingdoms in Africa; this was primarily due to the enormous natural wealth at their disposal from gold and salt mines, as well as their effective control of the trans-Saharan trade routes that carried valuable resources to and from the region. To highlight this, the Malians gain Gold Mining upgrades for free and have acess to every Market upgrade.

West Africa and the Sahel have sparse vegitation, without many trees. These limited resources meant that the Malians primarily used mud and clay bricks in their architecture, and didnt have as much of a reliance on lumber for their buildings. This is represented in-game with a -15% wood cost for all Malian buildings. Famous examples of this architectural style include the University of Sankore and the Great Mosque of Djenne (the latter is also the Malian Wonder).

Description
''Follow in the footsteps of the great Mansa Musa and become the greatest king of Western Africa. Conquer surrounding kingdoms to expand your wealth and hold a firm grip on the trade routes that zigzag through the region. Will you be able to keep the once hostile provinces united under your crown?''

Overview
Unique Unit: Gbeto (ranged infantry)

Unique Tech: Tigui (Town Centers fire arrows), Farimba  (Stable units +5 attack)

Civilization Bonuses

 * Buildings cost -15% wood
 * Infantry +1 pierce armor per Age (starting from Feudal Age)
 * Gold Mining upgrades free
 * Team Bonus: University researches +80% faster