Mansa Musa, born around 1280 into Mali’s royal Keita dynasty, became emperor in 1312 after Mansa Abu Bakr II disappeared on an Atlantic expedition. His reign marked the peak of the Mali Empire’s wealth and power, covering large parts of West Africa.
Mansa Musa promoted political stability, economic growth, and cultural development, leveraging Mali’s rich gold and salt resources. In 1324, he famously made a pilgrimage to Mecca, traveling with a lavish caravan and distributing so much gold that it caused inflation in some regions. His journey enhanced Mali’s international reputation and fostered new trade and scholarly connections. Afterward, Musa focused on advancing Islamic education and architecture, most notably founding Timbuktu’s Djinguereber Mosque and turning the city into a major center of Islamic learning.