Mansa Musa ?–1337
Emperor of Ancient Mali
The year was 1324. Mansa Musa, the king of Mali, was making the long journey across Africa to Mecca. The size and splendor of his caravan were amazing. Musa rode at the head of 60,000 people and a train of 80 camels, each loaded with 300 pounds of pure gold. Before him walked 500 servants, each carrying a golden staff. Musa gave freely to the poor along the way. For years afterward, people talked of his wealth and generosity. News of his pilgrimage spread, sparking interest among kings and traders as far away as Europe.
Mansa Musa was a great leader. He brought the cities of Timbuktu, Gao, and Djenné into the kingdom, making ancient Mali one of the largest empires in the world. A devout Muslim, he built mosques and schools throughout the kingdom. Under his rule, Timbuktu became a center of learning as well as trade. Long after Musa's death, Timbuktu remained a hub of Islamic culture, attracting scholars, artists, and poets.
Critical Thinking
What effect do you think Musa's pilgrimage had on trade in Mali?