Three of the World's Most Influential Empires: Ghana, Mali, and Songhai - America's Black Holocaust Museum

Mansa Musa, who reigned from 1312 to 1337, was the ninth emperor of the Mali Empire and is often regarded as the wealthiest person in recorded history. Under his rule, Mali flourished economically and culturally, controlling vast gold reserves and major trade routes across West Africa. Musa’s legendary pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 showcased his immense wealth; he traveled with a caravan of thousands, distributing so much gold in Cairo that he reportedly caused temporary inflation. Beyond his rich