The wealthiest man that ever lived
Did you know that the wealthiest man that ever lived was not Jeff Bezos or Mukesh Ambani, but a medieval African king? His name was Mansa Musa, and he ruled the Mali Empire in the 14th century. He was so rich that he literally put his kingdom on the map with his lavish pilgrimage to Mecca. In this article, we will explore who Mansa Musa was, how he became so rich, what he did with his wealth, and how he compares with modern billionaires.
Image: Public Domain/Reuters
The reign of Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa became the ninth ruler of the Mali Empire in 1312 CE, after his predecessor disappeared at sea. He inherited a kingdom that was already wealthy, but he expanded it even further by conquering new lands, promoting trade, and fostering peace and stability. The Mali Empire covered parts of modern-day Mali, Senegal, the Gambia, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Mauritania, and Burkina Faso. It was one of the largest and most powerful empires in African history. Mansa Musa also supported Islamic learning and culture in his realm, as he was a devout Muslim.
Image: Public Domain
Mansa Musa's claim and ascent to the throne
Mansa Musa's ascent to the throne of the Mali Empire is a tale marked by unexpected twists. While lacking a direct claim to kingship, his lineage held a significant tie to the empire's founder, Sundiata Keita, through his grandfather's relation as Sundiata's brother. Nevertheless, neither Musa's grandfather nor his father seized the throne.
Fate took a dramatic turn when Mansa Abubakari Keita II, the reigning monarch, entrusted Musa with regency while he embarked on a pioneering voyage to explore the vast Atlantic Ocean. Tragically, Abubakari's expedition concluded with his disappearance, leaving the throne vacant. In accordance with the realm's customs and laws, Musa was compelled to assume rulership, despite his initial lack of claim to the position.
Where did all of his wealth come from?
Mansa Musa’s wealth came mainly from the gold and salt mines in his territory, as well as from other goods like ivory, slaves, spices, silks, and ceramics. According to historians, Mansa Musa had a personal net worth of $400 billion, which made him the richest man in history. He had access to more than half of the world’s supply of gold at that time. He also controlled the salt trade in the Sahara, which was essential for preserving food and enhancing its flavor. Salt was so valuable that it was sometimes traded for gold at equal weight. Mansa Musa also collected taxes and tributes from the people and kingdoms under his rule, which added to his income.
Image: Canva
The famed pilgrimage to Mecca
In 1324 CE, Mansa Musa embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, fulfilling one of the five pillars of Islam. He traveled with a vast entourage of about 60,000 people, including 12,000 slaves and 100 camels, each laden with 136 kilograms (300 pounds) of gold. Along the way, he stopped in Cairo, impressing the Sultan of Egypt with his generosity and piety. His lavish gifts caused inflation in the Egyptian economy for the next 12 years. He also visited other cities like Medina, Baghdad, and Damascus, distributing more gold, building mosques, and engaging with Muslim leaders and scholars.
Image: Getty Images
What happened as a result of the pilgrimage?
Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage made him famous throughout the Muslim world and beyond. He put Mali on the map, literally, as the Catalan Atlas of 1375 CE depicted him sitting on a throne, holding a nugget of gold and a golden staff. He also attracted the attention of European traders and explorers, who became curious about the source of his wealth and the wonders of his empire. Yet, beyond the spectacle, Mansa Musa's expedition sparked profound changes within West Africa. It brought back a wave of scholars and artisans, enriching Mali's cultural landscape and transforming cities like Timbuktu into beacons of Islamic learning. Moreover, his diplomatic endeavors fostered robust trade and cultural exchanges, cementing Mali's place in the wider Islamic world and shaping the course of history for generations to come.
Image: Getty Images
Mansa Musa’s comparison with modern billionaires
Estimating Mansa Musa's wealth remains elusive due to the lack of precise records, yet historians speculate his fortune could surpass $400 billion today, adjusted for inflation. While debates persist over the accuracy of this figure, Mansa Musa's power and influence are undeniable. His empire's prosperity, spanning vast territories and boasting a population of around 20 million, emphasized his unparalleled wealth, eclipsing even the fortunes of contemporary billionaires like Jeff Bezos who is worth US $200 billion, or Mukesh Ambani who is worth $80 billion - he truly had no competition.
Image: Reuters
How did he use his wealth?
Mansa Musa's wealth wasn't just for show; it was a catalyst for positive change. Rather than hoarding riches for himself, he invested in education, culture, and infrastructure, benefiting society at large. His philanthropy extended to the poor and scholars alike, while his patronage of public works, including mosques, schools, and libraries, fostered intellectual and artistic growth. By prioritizing peace and diplomacy over conquest, Mansa Musa exemplified Islamic piety and morality, leaving a legacy of compassion and progress.
Image: Getty Images
What's more?
During his pilgrimage, Mansa Musa distributed large sums of gold to the poor and to various rulers and officials along the way. His extravagant displays of wealth reportedly caused economic disruptions in some regions. Mansa Musa's pilgrimage helped to establish Mali as a center of Islamic scholarship and trade in the region. He commissioned the construction of mosques and schools, and he invited Muslim scholars and artisans to Mali. (Image: istock)