Strategy: Enslavement by Guns and Gems

Rather early on, Mali can expand rather viciously, seeing as they can spawn the luxuries they need to stay happy or trade. The superior Skirmisher makes them better suited for early game warfare than most, as it makes the unit more survivable in a time where every unit counts. Picking up Mining is important early on, since it is both necessary for two spawned resources, and a pre-req for Construction. Further, Construction requires The Wheel, which leads into Currency. Despite the strong bottom tree synergy, the top part of the tree (Writing, Calendar, Philosophy, etc) shouldn't be forgotten. In the case of religion, consider getting Holy Warriors, as you will be able to buy Skirmishers with faith long after they're no longer available for construction. This can stack well with Honor, allowing them to promote cheaply, while also stacking gold from kills.Mid-game, the benefits of the slave market become more apparent, since the cities will have grown quite a bit by then. Each city will give more than enough gold to keep warmongering, and so conquering your immediate continent is a priority. Trading with city states will help keep happiness up, as well as gold flowing into the coffers. It is around this point that one can decide to go peaceful as well, going for a diplomatic victory with their vast wealth.Late-game, depending on the victory type, you will have to be very aggressive. Keeping your promoted units alive is very important, since they have one of the most deadly ability in the game. If you're going diplomatic, consider investing in a navy to commit piracy on the seas, seeing as each kill gain money, and while you're at war, prevents foes from making moves on your city states. In the end, you will either own all the world's money, or there'll be no one left to contest it.