. The huge reign of Musa spanned several modern African countries, including the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso, with Timbuktu serving as the imperial capital.
In the pages of history, out of all the renowned names of modern wealth, one figure stands out whose fortune eclipses even today’s richest individuals. Mansa Musa, who was a 14th-century African emperor and is often regarded as the wealthiest person to have ever lived.
According to the history reports, Mansa Musa ascended to the throne of the Mali kingdom in West Africa in 1312 AD. Born in 1280 AD, Musa’s wealth, estimated at nearly USD 400 billion when adjusted for inflation, dwarfs the fortunes of modern titans like (USD 195.8 billion net worth), Jeff Bezos (USD 194.6 billion), or prominent Indian billionaires such as Mukesh Ambani (USD 117.8 billion), Gautam Adani (USD 83.6 billion) or Ratan Tata.
Mansa Musa’s wealth was majorly sourced from the rich natural resources within his empire. Gold coming from mines in areas such as Bambuk, Wangara, Bure, Galam, and Taghaza to the south, while the northern lands produced salt. The huge reign of Musa spanned several modern African countries, including the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso, with Timbuktu serving as the imperial capital.
Mansa Musa And His Lavish Lifestyle:
- Mansa Musa is known for his benevolence and wisdom
- Mansa Musa generosity remains legendary.
- According to the local storytellers, the stories of his lavish bestowals of Malian gold is so abundant that they find it difficult to praise his virtues for fear of portraying him as wasteful.
- Lucy Duran of the School of African and Oriental Studies in London attests to this, underscoring his unparalleled magnanimity.
- In 1324, Mansa Musa embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey that etched his name into the annals of history.
- According to a BBC report, his caravan, said to be the largest ever to traverse the Sahara desert, comprised 100 camels laden with vast quantities of gold, accompanied by 12,000 servants and 60,000 slaves.
- Historians and scholars estimate that he carried as much as 18 tonnes of gold, valued at over USD 957 million in 2022, on this sacred expedition.