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Who was Mansa Musa?

Mansa Musa was the emperor of Mali from approximately 1312-1337. His reign helped the Empire of Mali gain recognition around the world.

Mansa Musa's background

Mansa Musa's background

  • Mansa Musa was the great nephew of the founder of the Mali Empire, Sundiata Keita.
    • He was born around 1280 and was the 9th Emperor.
  • Mansa Musa is most known for his hajj, or religious journey to Mecca, in 1324. He was a devoted Muslim and brought much religious strength to the Empire during his reign.
  • Mansa Musa was incredibly ambitious. He conquered 24 cities during his rule.
Many unknowns

Many unknowns

  • There are very few accounts of Mansa Musa's life remaining today. Many were given by Griot, official storytellers in Africa at the time.
    • Historian al-Umari gleaned information on Mansa Musa from officials who had met the emperor during his hajj.
Incidental rise to power

Incidental rise to power

  • According to Mansa Musa, the emperor before him left on a journey to find the Atlantic Ocean. He took 200 ships filled with men and another 200 filled with gold, water, and supplies.
  • When only one ship returned, the emperor prepared 2000 ships to try and find those who were missing. He left Mansa Musa to look after the empire for him.
  • The emperor never returned and so, Mansa Musa became emperor.
Mansa Musa's legacy

Mansa Musa's legacy

  • Mansa Musa is remembered for leaving Mali with wealth, strength, recognition and greater levels of religious and intellectual education.
  • He was well-known outside of Africa.
    • The Catalan Atlas, a map made by Majorcan mapmakers, placed Mali right at its centre even after Musa's death in the 1330s.
  • His son, Maghan, became the next Mansa.
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