Meet the Richest Man Who Ever Lived
Based on evidence presented by Arab scholars, Mansa Musa I was one of the most widely known rulers of ancient Mali and perhaps the most famous person in all of the western Sudan. His rule lasted from roughly 1307 until his death in 1337. During this time the influence of Mali grew, and its government experienced greater development than it had under any of its former rulers. Mansa Musa I was also the leader who developed Mali's diplomatic relations with Egypt and Morocco, sending ambassadors to both nations and receiving their consuls in return.
Mansa Musa's governance was equally commendable in that he administered justice fairly and impartially. Just as important, because of his strong religious faith, he also insisted on qualities of fairness and equity in his high-ranking subordinates. He traveled extensively throughout his own empire and abroad, most notably in his famous pilgrimage to Mecca, which was conducted in such splendor that it is still discussed today. Read more...
Davis, R. H., & Page, W. F. (2017). Mansa Musa I. In Encyclopedia of Medieval Africa (500 to 1500). New York: Facts On File.
Books to Check Out
Mansa Musa and the Empire of Mali by 
African Dominion by 
Timelines from Black History (Available through ILL) by 
Medieval West Africa (Available through ILL) by Mansa Musa Crash Course
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