Table of Contents
Net Worth
| Net Worth | Salary | Birthdate | Birthplace | Gender | Height | Profession | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $400 billion (inflation-adjusted) | N/A | 1280 | Mali Empire | Male | N/A | Ruler | Malian |
Mansa Musa, the tenth Mansa of the Mali Empire, is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest historical figures. During his reign from 1312 to 1337, Mali produced a significant amount of gold, contributing to Mansa Musa’s immense net worth. At its peak, his net worth was equivalent to $400 billion in today’s currency.
Highlights
Mansa Musa’s net worth and accomplishments during his reign have made him a notable historical figure. Some of the highlights of his life include:
- Being the tenth Mansa, or conqueror, of the Mali Empire
- Controlling vast territories previously belonging to the Ghana Empire
- Holding titles such as Lord of the Mines of Wangara, Emir of Melle, and Conqueror of Ghanata
- Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 with a large entourage carrying significant amounts of gold
- Contributing to the construction of mosques and madrasas in Gao and Timbuktu
- Building the Sankore Madrasah, which became a center of Islamic scholarship
- Expanding the Mali Empire to include Timbuktu and Goa
- Developing urban centers and promoting urban civilization
- Owning an impressive collection of approximately 1,000,000 manuscripts in the University of Sankore’s library
- Becoming renowned for his generosity and intelligence
Early Life
Mansa Musa was born in 1280 in the Mali Empire. He belonged to the Keita dynasty, with his grandfather being Abu-Bakr Keita, the nephew of Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mailian Empire. While Mansa Musa’s grandfather and father, Faga Laye, did not ascend to the throne or play significant roles in the history of Mali, Musa would later become one of the most influential rulers of the empire.
Career
Musa’s rise to power occurred when he was appointed as the deputy of Abubakari Keita II, the king before him. Keita II embarked on an expedition and never returned, leading Musa to assume the throne. As Mansa, Musa became known for his immense wealth, particularly in gold.
One of the defining moments of Musa’s career was his pilgrimage to Mecca between 1324 and 1325. Accompanied by a procession of 60,000 men and slaves carrying gold, he showcased the wealth of the Mali Empire to the world. During his journey, Musa distributed gold to the impoverished and traded gold in various cities, leading to a significant devaluation of the metal in cities like Cairo and Medina. Musa’s handling of the gold industry became a historical milestone as it marked the only time when one man controlled the entire gold industry and pricing.
Throughout his reign, Musa sponsored extensive construction and building projects, including mosques and madrasas. He expanded the Mali Empire by incorporating Timbuktu and Goa into his territories. Timbuktu, in particular, became a center of trade, culture, and Islamic scholarship under his rule.
Personal Life
Mansa Musa adhered to Islam and was a devout Muslim. He went on a pilgrimage to Mecca as a demonstration of his faith. However, little is known about his personal life beyond his accomplishments as a ruler and his religious beliefs.
Net Worth Over Time
Mansa Musa’s net worth of $400 billion, adjusted for inflation, is considered the highest in history. His wealth largely stemmed from the abundance of gold in the Mali Empire and his control over the gold industry. His net worth remained unmatched throughout his lifetime.
Components of Net Worth
Mansa Musa’s net worth primarily consisted of the following components:
- Wealth from the gold mines in the Wangara region
- Gold obtained through trade and conquest
- Income from taxation on the production and trade of gold
- Control over the gold industry, including pricing
Mansa Musa’s substantial net worth played a crucial role in elevating the Mali Empire’s status and promoting economic activities and cultural development in the region.