Mansa Musa: The Wealthiest Man in History
Mansa Musa was the ninth Mansa, or emperor, of the Mali Empire from 1312 to 1337. He is considered to be one of the richest people in history, and his reign marked the golden age of the Mali Empire. Musa was born in 1280 into a family of rulers. His father, Mansa Abu-Bakr II, was a great explorer who is said to have sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in search of new lands. Musa's mother, Faga Laye, was a powerful woman who helped to shape her son's character. Musa was a wise and just ruler. He expanded the Mali Empire to its greatest extent, and he oversaw a period of great economic prosperity. He was also a devout Muslim, and he made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. This pilgrimage was a major event, and it helped to spread Islam throughout Africa. Musa was known for his generosity. He gave away vast sums of money to the poor and to scholars. He also built mosques and schools throughout the Mali Empire. His generosity helped to make Mali a center of learning and culture. Musa die...