The Richest Person in History

Mansa Musa became the richest person in history

We're not just talking about a few gold coins here and there; we're talking about having so much gold that he caused inflation wherever he went. Musa was the ruler of the Mali Empire, which was in what is now West Africa, but he wasn't just any ruler; he was the kind of guy who had so much gold that he made Scrooge McDuck look like a penny pincher. That's right, folks. Mansa Musa was the first influencer; he could enter a market and spend so much money that the cost of things would skyrocket for months.

Mansa Musa was the original influencer; he could enter a market and spend so much money that the cost of goods would skyrocket for months afterward. However, Mansa Musa wasn't just about flashing his bling; he was also a devout Muslim who traveled to Mecca in 1324. When I say pilgrimage, I mean the kind of journey that would put a European backpacking trip to shame. Imagine being so wealthy.

He traveled with a caravan of thousands of people, including sold soldiers, scholars, and slaves. He didn't only travel light; he also brought so much gold that he needed to employ a team of camels to carry it all.

But Mansa Musa wasn't just interested in flaunting his money, he supported Islam and constructed a large number of mosques and madrasas, or Islamic schools. In his Empire and the larger Islamic world, he was a true leader.

Mansa Musa was born in 1280 into a prosperous household. His father was the monarch of the Mali Empire - one of West Africa's richest and mightiest nations at the time. Despite not being the firstborn, Mansa Musa swiftly won his father and the Empire's citizens over with his cleverness and charm as a young boy. Mansa Musa received training in subjects including Islamic law, history, administration, etc. He was a quick learner and had a lot of promise from an early age.

Mansa Musa ascended the throne of the empire at an early age after the demise of his father who died in 1312. His path to the throne was not without turmoil as there were many contenders. Initially, it was unclear who would succeed the previous king right away. But later, Mansa Musa's elder brother was selected to be the new monarch, but he proved to be a poor one and was removed from power, by no other than Mansa Musa.

Even though it was not the most honorable thing to do, Mansa Musa did it with style. Immediately after ascending to the throne, Mansa Musa began to consolidate his power and expanded his territory.

He was a shrewd leader and quickly saw that the Empire needed his help in gaining more power and expanding its realm and controlling the Empire's abundant resources, especially its gold mines, which were essential for prosperity. He also built a powerful; military and formed trading ties with nearby kingdoms.

Not only was Mansa Musa a conqueror, but he was also a just and wise leader who brought about reforms that helped his people live better lives by lowering taxes and increasing education.

He also created an Islamic law-based judicial system that contributed to the establishment of stability in the kingdom.

Nevertheless, Mansa Musa experienced several difficulties during his Reign, which included invasions from surrounding kingdoms and internal rebellions. But, he was able to have a grip on his throne with his skilled diplomat skills and tact and was able to arrange peace deals that served to keep the region stable.

Ultimately, Mansa Musa's ascent to prominence was evidence of his brilliance, dynamism, and Leadership qualities. He wasn't afraid to take risks and make bold moves to achieve his goals, and also had a deep sense of responsibility. He was a strong leader who got things done, but he also cared about his followers.

Mansa Musa's net worth was estimated to be approximately $400 billion in today's currency. That surpasses Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk. Aside from that these guys don't have the same level of influence as Mansa Musa had at the time. The Empire controlled several crucial trade routes, notably those that transported gold and salt, and these were all under the jurisdiction of the Mali Empire.

Mansa Musa had access to massive gold mines and had the power to regulate the flow of gold into and out of the Empire. He established strong trade relationships with neighboring kingdoms and this helped increase his worth.

Mansa Musa wasn't satisfied with simply resting on his wealth, but he was a kind leader who used his fortune to further his people and propagate Islam among his people. In 1324 he embarked on a voyage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, but this wasn't any ordinary journey. The pilgrimage was made up of a caravan of thousands of people, including troops, scholars, and slaves who followed Mansa Musa.

On that trip to Mecca, Mansa Musa brought with him gold of about sixty thousand pounds. The purpose was not to show off his wealth but to distribute it to people along the way. This benevolence resulted in inflation wherever he went.

He distributed so much gold that he still thought of it as one of the most charitable individuals in history, and he accomplished this while donning a gorgeous robe and turban.

Mansa Musa was a devoted Muslim, so his generosity wasn't just for show. He built multiple mosques in Madrid as a way of using his fortune to advance the religion of Islam. Mansa Musa also provided important contributions to Islamic universities including the University of Sankori and Timbuktu. He also employed Islamic experts to lecture and promote the religion's message along the road.

In addition to distributing riches and promoting Islam, Mansa Musa used his pilgrimage to Mecca as a platform to flaunt the wealth and might of the Mali Empire. He, therefore, traveled with a large group that included slaves, dancers, and musicians. Camels and horses were among the exotic creatures he took with him. He brought an entire caravan of 80 camels on that journey just to transport his clothing.

Mansa Musa used his pilgrimage to develop diplomatic contacts with other Islamic kings and leaders. Along the route, he had meetings with the leaders of Egypt, Arabia, and other places, and as a gesture of friendship, he gave them gifts. Additionally, he developed commercial ties with these kingdoms, which aided in his continued rise in riches.

However, Mansa Musa's kindness and showmanship had unanticipated consequences and repercussions as well. For instance, when he traveled through Egypt, he distributed so much wealth that it brought up a brief economic crisis in the area; Prices for goods increased dramatically, and the economy descended into chaos. But hey, the Egyptians looked at the positive side – lots of wealth was spread around and they were thankful.

But that notwithstanding his pilgrimage brought a significant turning point in the history of Islam in West Africa. It also helped him to establish the Mali Empire as a major player on the international stage and solidified Mansa Musa's standing as one of the most kind and powerful rulers of his era.

Following his visit to Mecca, Mansa Musa's standing as a powerful and wealthy leader only expanded. He was now renowned across the Islamic world and beyond as a kind benefactor of the faith, a deft diplomat, and a cunning businessman.

Mansa Musa's wealth wasn't just a source of pride and prestige; it was also a challenge because he had to continuously protect and manage his large fortunes while navigating West Africa's convoluted political and economic environment. During his reign, he dealt with a variety of difficulties, including internal uprisings, incursions from nearby kingdoms, and rebellions.

But despite these challenges, Mansa Musa remained a strong and effective leader throughout his Reign. He maintained the Mali Empire's territorial and political expansion and promoted the development of Islamic culture. He sponsored the study of the Quran and other Islamic books and constructed a large number of mosques and madrasas. He also made Timbuktu a significant center for Islamic education and culture.

Mansa Musa’s reign, however, was not without flaws. He was a stern ruler who upheld Islamic law across the Empire, which could be harsh and cruel. His reign was not without blemishes. He occasionally also exhibited a propensity to favor some groups above others, especially those who were devoted to him personally. Despite these shortcomings, Mansa Musa nevertheless remained a significant and inspirational figure in African history and the Islamic world.

He was a visionary who saw the potential of his Empire and worked tirelessly to increase its influence, and he was a symbol of the richness and diversity of Africa's cultural heritage, which continues to inspire and captivate people around the world. He was a leader who used his wealth and power to benefit his people and promote the growth of Islam.

Mansa Musa passed away in 1337 and was succeeded by his son Mansa Maga.

During his reign, Mansa Maga had to contend with a variety of difficulties, like uprisings and assaults from nearby kingdoms. The Mali Empire started to deteriorate under his tenure since he was not an effective leader like his father.

The Empire encountered many internal and foreign difficulties in the years after Mansa Musa's passing, including droughts, rebellions, and raids from neighboring countries.

The Empire's resources ran out, and it lost strength and influence.

The Mali Empire completely vanished as a political entity by the 16th century, and its citizens were incorporated into other kingdoms and empires in the area.

The legacy of Mansa Musa persisted in inspiring and influencing people in West Africa and beyond even after the Mali Empire fell into disarray. He is recognized as a kind and knowledgeable leader who used his riches and influence to advance Islam and his people. In the end, Mansa Musa's Reign may have ended, but his legacy lives on, reminding us of the strength and potential of great leadership, the richness of Africa's cultural heritage, and the significance of generosity, diplomacy, and wisdom in influencing the course of history. His pilgrimage to Mecca remains one of the most famous and legendary journeys in history, and his reputation as one of the wealthiest people of all time continues to capture people's imaginations.