Timbuktu became a center of trade in the Mali Empire, which flourished from the 13th to the 16th centuries. It was situated at the crossroads of several important trans-Saharan trade routes, facilitating the exchange of gold, salt, and other goods. The city became renowned for its wealth and cultural significance, attracting traders and scholars alike. Timbuktu's status as a trading hub helped to spread Islamic culture and education in the region, with institutions like the University of Sankore playing a critical role in the intellectual life of West Africa.