Mansa Musa
History: KS3, topic 4.2.1
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 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
- 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
- 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 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.
Test yourself on Mansa Musa
What was the role of the Griot?
What is Mansa Musa most known for as the ruler of Mali?