In the 15th and 16th centuries, Timbuktu was the epitome of Islamic spiritual and intellectual learning. Today, modern conflict threatens to destroy Mali’s past. Here, Kevin MacDonald takes a look at the history, heritage, and invaluable legacy of this legendary city.

From the 14th century AD the city of Timbuktu, in West Africa, became legendary for the wealth it offered merchants crossing the Sahara. However, as Sam Nixon explains, before Timbuktu came Tadmakka.