While in the XIV century Europe was shaken by internecine wars, attacks by the Turks and the black plague, the Empire of Mali flourished in West Africa. The then ruler Mansa Musa had a fortune that made him the richest man of all times and peoples.
Mansa Musa - ruler of the state of Mali in the XIV century
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Mansa Musa became known throughout the world thanks to the hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca, which he performed between 1324-1325. A caravan of 10 thousand soldiers, 30 thousand civilians, 12 thousand slaves and 500 heralds, announcing the approach of the king, went through the desert. Naturally, such a huge caravan demanded a lot of maintenance, therefore, according to historical chronicles, Mansa Musa took more than 12,000 kg of gold with him on the way and did not deny himself anything.
Mansa Musa became famous for his rich pilgrimage to Mecca
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Crossing the Sahara, the ruler had freshly cooked fish and vegetables on his table every day. They were brought by messengers. In addition, all the whims of Musa's wife were fulfilled. One day, Nieriba Kondé wished to take a dip in the pool. 8,700 slaves immediately began to dig sand, and in the morning the queen and 500 girls from her retinue were already splashing in a pool filled with water from wineskins.
Image of Mansa Musa holding a gold bar on a Catalan atlas. 1375 year
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Mansa Musa's pilgrimage lasted for about a year. In every city that the ruler passed on Friday, he ordered to build a mosque. Musa distributed gold to the poor, bought goods at exorbitant prices. From this in the large cities of Cairo, Medina and Mecca, gold devalued over the next 10 years. On the way back home, Mansa Musa borrowed gold on a large scale and at high interest rates. This is the only time in history that one person has regulated the price of gold.
Mosque in Timbuktu
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The main means of replenishing the treasury of the state of Mali at that time was the extraction of gold and salt. Fortunately, the ruler took care not only of himself, but also the welfare of his people. During his reign, Mansa Musa brought the state to prosperity. Mosques were built everywhere, a large university and a library were created. The ruler was tolerant of those who did not accept Islam and worshiped pagan gods. This is another important reason for the stability of the state.
Mansa Musa's territory in the XIV century
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Mansa Musa's reign is called the "golden age" for Mali. According to a 2012 study, Mansa Musa ranked first among the 25 richest people in history, ahead of Rockefeller and the Rothschilds. His fortune was estimated at 400 billion US dollars.
Unfortunately, it so happened that Africa saw more cruel rulers than loyal and wise.
