PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Mansa Musa was Mali’s most renowned king, ruling from 1312 to 1337 CE.
He was the grandson of Sundiata’s half brother, and ruled Mali at a time of great prosperity, during which trade tripled.
During his rule, he doubled the land area of Mali; it became a larger kingdom than any in Europe at the time.
The cities of Mali became important trading centers for all of West Africa as well as famous centers of wealth, culture, and learning. Timbuktu, an important city in Mali, became one of the major cultural centers not only of Africa but of the entire world.
Mansa Musa, who was Muslim, was perhaps best known outside of Mali for his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 C.E. According to some accounts, 60,000 people accompanied him, along with 200 camels laden with gold, silver, food, clothing, and other goods.
This pilgrimage displayed Mansa Musa’s enormous wealth and generosity.
