Mansa Musa The Richest Man Ever

Mansa Musa, the emperor of the Mali Empire in the 14th century, is often regarded as the richest man in history. His wealth is famous for being almost incomprehensible in its scale, transcending the material riches of today’s wealthiest billionaires.

Born in a period where his empire was the largest producer of gold, a commodity in high demand among the global markets of the time, Mansa Musa’s fortune was vast and his spending on his pilgrimage to Mecca was legendary.

His journey to Mecca in 1324 is one of the most storied tales of opulence, involving an extravagant caravan of tens of thousands of soldiers, attendants, followers, and slaves, all adorned with gold.

The spending and donations along his route had significant economic repercussions on the regions he passed. The legacy of Mansa Musa extends beyond his wealth; it includes his contributions to the educational and Islamic infrastructure in the Mali Empire, which included the construction of numerous mosques and madrasas, some of which still stand today.

The measure of Mansa Musa’s wealth presents a challenge to historians due to the lack of precise documentation and the difficulty of comparing his assets to modern figures. Nonetheless, the accounts from various travellers and scholars during his reign provide a glimpse into the sheer magnitude of his fortune, solidifying his place in history as a monarch of unparalleled economic status.

Early Life and Ascension to Power

Mansa Musa, born Musa Keita, was the tenth Mansa, which translates to “sultan” or “king,” of the Mali Empire. While the exact date of his birth is not recorded, his reign began in 1312. Musa inherited the throne after his predecessor, Abu-Bakr II, failed to return from a voyage to explore the Atlantic Ocean.

Under Musa’s rule, the Mali Empire flourished economically and culturally, and his kingdom included the famous city of Timbuktu. The city was a thriving cultural and commercial hub especially known for its advanced education system, including universities and libraries.

Timeline of Early Life and Ascension:

Born: Date unknown, early 1280s likely
Predecessor: Abu-Bakr II (uncle or another relative)
Ascended to Power: 1312

Mansa Musa’s early life is not well-documented, but it is believed he may have been a deputy of Abu-Bakr II before becoming Mansa. His ascension marked the beginning of a prosperous era for Mali, with his rule characterized by significant wealth, structured governance, and Islamic scholarship. Musa’s commitment to education and Islam significantly influenced the cultural landscape of Mali.

Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 further elevated the Mali Empire’s status, showcasing its wealth to regions beyond Africa. However, this account falls beyond the early life and ascension of Mansa Musa, focusing on the period before he became renowned for his wealth and generosity.

Empire of Mali under Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa’s reign from 1312 to 1337 CE marked a period of unprecedented prosperity and expansion for the Mali Empire. Here, the aspects of territorial growth, governance, and economic wealth are explored to understand his impact on the empire.

Under Mansa Musa, Mali reached its zenith in land coverage, stretching over 2,000 miles from the Atlantic coast deeper into the interior of Africa. This expansion included important areas such as the cities of Timbuktu and Gao, which became integral parts of the empire.

He organized Mali’s vast territories by using a hierarchical governance structure. At the top, Mansa Musa maintained absolute authority, delegating power to appointed governors, known as farbas, who managed various provinces.

Each province then had mayors for individual cities, streamlining control and organization throughout his realm.

Economic Prosperity

The Mali Empire thrived economically due to two main factors: rich gold mines and strategic trade routes.

Gold production increased, ensuring Mali’s place as a dominant economic power. Trade caravans that went through Mali connected West Africa with major trade hubs in North Africa and beyond, facilitating the flow of goods and wealth.

Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca, which showcased his immense wealth, further enhanced the empire’s reputation as a rich and powerful kingdom.

The Hajj of Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 is one of the most storied events in medieval history, showcasing his immense wealth and leaving a profound impact on the regions he visited.

Mansa Musa embarked on his hajj to Mecca with a caravan including thousands of soldiers, officials, and attendants. The procession was reported to consist of:

60,000 men
Hundreds of camels each carrying up to 136 kilograms of gold

The preparation was meticulous, as he displayed not only his personal wealth but also the prosperity of the Mali Empire.

As he journeyed through Egypt and the Middle East, Mansa Musa distributed gold so lavishly that he caused a notable inflation in the regions he passed. His spending was so generous that the value of gold in Cairo was depressed for several years.

His lavish spending abroad had some adverse effects on the Mali Empire’s economy. However, Mansa Musa’s hajj put Mali and Timbuktu on the map, literally and figuratively, drawing scholars, artisans, and architects to the empire and promoting Islamic education.

Wealth and Legacy

Mansa Musa amassed his wealth primarily through the abundant natural resources of the Mali Empire. Notable among these were:

Gold: The Mali Empire was situated in a region with prolific gold mines, which at the time were among the most significant gold producers in the world.
Salt: Salt, a valuable commodity for preservation and seasoning, was also abundantly traded within his empire.

The control over these crucial trading commodities in the Saharan trade routes significantly contributed to Mansa Musa’s immense wealth.

Quantifying Mansa Musa’s wealth in today’s terms is challenging due to the lack of comprehensive historical records. However, some key points include:

His wealth was described as so vast that historians find it hard to give an accurate estimation.
Reports suggest that during his pilgrimage to Mecca, he distributed so much gold that he reportedly affected the currency markets in the regions he traveled through.

Estimates of his fortune range exceedingly high, but regardless of the exact figure, it’s agreed that his wealth surpasses contemporary billionaires by a significant margin.

Mansa Musa’s Patrons and Building Projects

Mansa Musa recognized Timbuktu’s potential as a center of learning and invested considerably in its development. Under his patronage, the University of Sankore was transformed into a fully staffed institution with jurists, astronomers, and mathematicians.

Its libraries became legendary, housing an innumerable collection of books that attracted scholars from across the Islamic world.

The mosques built during Mansa Musa’s reign, particularly the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu, are standout examples of his commitment to Islamic architecture.

He brought back architect Abu Es Haq es Saheli from his pilgrimage to Mecca, who designed the iconic Sahelian-style structures. Djinguereber Mosque stands till now as a testament to their enduring design, characterized by large mud-brick buildings with wooden support beams.

Mansa Musa’s influence reached beyond religious edifices; it also extended to urban development. He transformed cities like Gao and Niani, integrating elaborate street plans and advanced infrastructures.

They were fashioned with marketplaces, mosques, and public squares, enhancing trade and quality of life. His initiatives laid the groundwork for the prosperity of cities, aiding in the empire’s economic and cultural growth.

Cultural Impact and Exchange

The emperor’s travels did not just serve religious purposes; they facilitated significant cross-cultural exchange.

Mansa Musa brought back architects and scholars from his pilgrimage, integrating foreign expertise into Mali’s societal fabric. These interactions led to the diversification of artistic, educational, and technological practices.

His empire became a melting pot of African, Arabic, and Islamic traditions, which radiated throughout the region and beyond, affecting neighboring states and cultures.

Death and Succession

Mansa Musa’s death is believed to have occurred in 1337, although some accounts suggest it may have been slightly earlier or later. His passing marked the end of a significant era in the Mali Empire. He was renowned not just for his immense wealth but also for the cultural and educational advancements realized during his reign.

After Mansa Musa’s death, the empire he had greatly expanded began to decline. His successors faced the daunting task of maintaining the vast and wealthy Mali Empire.

Successors:

Mansa Maghan I: Often identified as Mansa Musa’s son, he assumed the throne after his father’s death. Unfortunately, his rule did not match the prosperity or the grandeur of his father’s time.
Mansa Suleyman: Following Mansa Maghan I, Mansa Suleyman took over in 1341. His reign saw a continued decline in the empire’s influence and wealth.

The succession after Mansa Musa saw a series of rulers who faced internal strife and external pressures, which gradually eroded the stability Musa had built.

His legacy, however, as the ruler of one of the largest empires of the world and possibly the richest individual to have ever lived, remains undisputed.