Mansa Musa: The Emperor of the Mali Empire

Mansa Musa is famed for having been the wealthiest person ever to live. Musa ruled the Mali Empire during his time, which spread to The Gambia, Senegal, and the Western Sahara border (Cowling & Hamilton, 2020). Musa oversaw an empire rich in gold and copper and monopolized business between North and West Africa. As a result, Mali became incredibly wealthy. Although not much is known about his early life, research shows that Mansa Musa led a lavish lifestyle. His exceptional leadership led to the widespread adoption of Islam in West Africa.

Musas Rise to the Throne

Mansa Musa was emperor of The Mali Empire. Although not much is known about his early life, research indicates that he was born in 1280, that he rose to the throne in 1312 C.E., and that he was the wealthiest person ever, with an estimated net worth of US$400 billion in modern currency (Bovill, 2018). The ruler was Sundiata Keitas great-nephew. Keita is famed for founding the Mali Empire. In 1324, Musa would make a long-awaited pilgrimage to Mecca, bringing 60,000 people, including staff and slaves. On the journey, Musas team carried bags, supplies, gold, and camels. He gave out gold to strangers due to his generous nature, especially in Cairo, where gold prices were affected for many years. After a quarter-century in power, Mansa Musa died and was succeeded by his son Maghan I.

Mansa Musas Empire

Mansa Musa ruled The Mali Empire. According to Bovill (2018), the empire existed between 1240 and 1645 and is considered the most expansive and prosperous empire in West African history. Founded by Sundiata Keita, The Mali Empire had its capital at Niani and was home to the famous city of Timbuktu. In essence, The Mali Empire created wealth by serving as a trade hub between West Africa and North Africa. Traders would travel across the Sahara on caravans. Some of the highly traded commodities were salt, gold, and ivory. It is also vital to note that Malis original rulers helped spread Islam in their land due to their strong association with Arab merchants (Bovill, 2018). Owing to Mali Empires status as a commerce hub, many merchants eventually adopted Islam, causing the religions spread across West Africa. The religions grip on West Africa was also strengthened by Muslim clerics from the North whose authority kickstarted a pilgrimage culture to Mecca for Malian people.

Under Mansa Musas rulership, The Mali Empire continued to thrive exponentially. After assuming power in 1312, Musa stayed in power until 1337, backed by an army of 100,000 men. Mansa Musa was an influential leader. Mlambo (2018) notes that the kings leadership prowess helped him increase and protect Malis massive empire. During Musas rulership, The Mali Empire doubled and was the second-largest empire after the Mongol Empire. For example, research shows that the territory spread across Gambia and Senegal and reached the Western Sahara border area. Mansa Musas importance is backed by the fact that the Mali Empire never controlled such expansive territories again after his death.

Despite little information regarding Mansa Musas early life, research shows that he led a lavish lifestyle. His brilliant leadership led to the extensive adoption of Islam in West Africa. Born in 1280, Musa ruled The Mali Empire for 25 years. Under his tenure, the territory was rich in gold and copper. Some of the rulers most significant achievements were expanding the empire, his pilgrimage to Mecca, and his input in spreading Islam in West Africa.