Mansa Musa - History’s Richest Man Documentary

Mansa Musa, born around 1280 AD, was a prominent historical figure in West Africa, taking the throne of the Mali Empire, which spanned across modern-day Mali, Niger, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea, and Gambia. His lineage traced back to the Muslim Keita Dynasty, and his reign was marked by the expansion and prosperity of the empire. Musa's rise to power was deeply connected to the history and politics of the Mali Empire, which was established by his ancestor Sundiata Keita after the decline of the Empire of Ghana. The empire's strategic location and control over trade routes contributed to its wealth and influence.

Sundiata Keita, the founder of the Mali Empire, established a legacy of military prowess and strong leadership. His successors, including Mansa Uli and others, continued to expand the empire and introduced new agricultural methods and laws, such as the Kouroukan Fouga. The Mali Empire was a complex political entity composed of small kingdoms that paid tribute to the Mansa. The empire's wealth was further augmented by the control of all gold nuggets within its borders. However, the empire faced internal strife over succession, with various rulers, including Khalifa and Bata Mande Bori, experiencing turbulent reigns.

Mansa Musa's rise to power was secured when the fleet of his predecessor, Mansa Muhammad, disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean during an exploration expedition. Musa, who was named caretaker Emperor before Muhammad's departure, moved into the royal palace and assumed regency over the empire's fourteen provinces. His rule was marked by the establishment of national honors for provincial managers and the promotion of education by sending students to Morocco. Musa's reign began in the early 1310s, and he was later recognized as Mansa, solidifying his claim to the throne.

Mansa Musa's reign saw the Mali Empire become a significant regional power due to its control of the Saharan trade routes. The empire's wealth was further enhanced by the establishment of 'port towns' and the use of camels and donkeys for transporting goods. Musa's military protection of these trade routes allowed for the flourishing of commerce, leading to a peaceful and prosperous empire. The rivers Niger, Gambia, and Senegal also facilitated trade, contributing to Musa's extraordinary wealth.

Mansa Musa formed a strong fighting force with around 10,000 cavalry in his imperial army, which was estimated to be the third largest in the world at the time. His military campaigns expanded the empire's territory, capturing slaves and conquering cities. Musa's army was well-equipped with copper headpieces, chainmail, and cushion tunics, making them an elite and powerful unit. His military tactics evolved with the development of specialized units like the Farimba, which were comparable to European Knights.

In 1324, Mansa Musa embarked on a pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey that demonstrated the power and prosperity of the Mali Empire. His entourage of 60,000 people included servants, soldiers, family members, and guests. Musa's journey was a peaceful display of his empire's wealth and influence, and it left a lasting impression on the regions he visited. His pilgrimage also led to the construction of mosques and the spread of Malian culture and Islam throughout the empire.

Mansa Musa maintained secrecy over the Mali Empire's trade routes to protect their wealth from outside interference. He used various methods to keep the routes hidden, including the use of drums for communication and restricting Christian travelers due to conflicts from the Crusades. Musa's diplomatic skills were evident in his interactions with other leaders, such as the Sultan of Egypt, and his ability to navigate complex trade negotiations.

Mansa Musa introduced a new style of architecture to Africa, exemplified by the construction of the Djinguereber Mosque and the University of Sankore in Timbuktu. These buildings, made mostly of earth and organic materials, were robust and stood the test of time, becoming UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Musa's influence turned Timbuktu into a center of Islamic education and a trading hub, solidifying its reputation as a heritage site.

After his pilgrimage, Mansa Musa focused on the development of his empire, building the Hall of Audience and other projects that upgraded the cities within the empire. He immersed himself in the exploration of science, arts, history, and Islamic studies. Despite his desire to live in Mecca, Musa remained in Mali to ensure its stability. His leadership and the continuation of his policies by his successors, such as Sulayman, maintained the Mali Empire at its peak for some time.

Mansa Musa's legacy is often centered around his immense wealth, which some estimate to be equivalent to $400 billion in today's terms. However, his contributions to the Mali Empire's cultural, educational, and architectural development are equally significant. His experiences during the Hajj influenced the empire's growth, particularly the establishment of Timbuktu as a great cultural center. Despite the empire's eventual decline, Musa's impact on West African history remains profound.

The story of Mansa Musa has transcended history, becoming a part of popular culture. His wealth and successful leadership have inspired his inclusion in computer games like the Civilization series and the 2018 film Black Panther. Musa's character is also celebrated in music, as seen in Anderson Paak's album. Despite the myths and tales that have built up around him, Musa's influence on the Mali Empire and West African history is undeniable.