Mansa Musa of Mali

Mansa Musa (reigned c. 1312 – c. 1337) He was the ninth Mansa of the Mali Empire, Mansa Musa came to power around 1312, succeeding his predecessor Abu-Bakr II. Not much is known about his early life, but he was a member of the Keita dynasty, which ruled the Mali Empire.
The Empire reached its territorial peak during his reign. Musa is known for his wealth and generosity. He has been subject to popular claims that he is the wealthiest person in history, but the extent of his actual wealth is not known with any certainty.

Local manuscripts and travelers accounts  have it that Mansa Musa’s wealth came principally from the Mali Empire controlling and taxing the trade in salt from northern regions and especially from gold panned and mined in the gold rich regions to the south: Bambuk, Wangara, Bure, Galam, Taghaza and other such kingdoms over many centuries.

Mansa Musa, also known as Musa I of Mali, was one of the most powerful and wealthy African monarchs in history. He reigned over the Mali Empire during the 14th century. Mansa Musa is particularly famous for his extraordinary wealth, pilgrimage to Mecca, and his contributions to the growth and influence of the Mali Empire.
Under Mansa Musa’s rule, the Mali Empire became one of the largest and wealthiest empires in the world. It was known for its vast reserves of gold, which were essential in the global trade networks of the time.

One of the most famous events in Mansa Musa’s life was his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325. He embarked on this journey with a large entourage, including thousands of soldiers, officials, and servants. During his pilgrimage, he distributed enormous amounts of gold and gifts, which greatly increased the awareness of Mali and its wealth throughout the Muslim world.

Mansa Musa was a devout Muslim, and his pilgrimage contributed to the spread of Islam in West Africa. He also sponsored the construction of mosques and the establishment of Islamic schools within the Mali Empire.
Mansa Musa’s lavish spending during his pilgrimage to Mecca is said to have disrupted the economies of the regions he passed through due to the sudden influx of gold. In some cases, the value of gold temporarily depreciated.

Mansa Musa played a key role in the development of Timbuktu as a center of learning and culture. He sponsored scholars and artists and contributed to the growth of the city’s reputation as a hub of intellectual and scholarly activity.