Renowned for his incomprehensible wealth in history, Mansa Musa, the ninth sultan of the Mali Empire, stands as a testament to the opulence of his era.

Born into the illustrious Keita Dynasty around 1280 AD, Musa Kieta’s ascent to power in 1312 AD marked the beginning of an era of unprecedented prosperity.

Fueled by the abundant reserves of gold, salt, and land, Musa’s wealth soared as he mined resources and engaged in lucrative trade, particularly in elephant ivory. However, it was his legendary pilgrimage to Makkah from 1324-1325 AD that solidified his status as history’s most extravagant figure. Accompanied by a retinue of approximately 60,000 individuals, adorned in opulent Persian silk and gold brocade, Musa’s procession left an indelible mark on the annals of time.

Beyond his ostentatious displays of wealth, Musa’s legacy endures through his contributions to the cultural and architectural landscape of the Mali Empire. Collaborating with Islamic scholars, he spearheaded the revitalization of cities and oversaw the construction of schools, libraries, and mosques, often compensating scholars generously with up to 200kg of gold.

Upon his passing in 1337 at the age of 57, Musa left behind a legacy that transcended generations. Though his empire eventually succumbed to decline, the echoes of his wealth continue to resonate. While modern estimates place his net worth between $400 billion to $500 billion, the true extent of his fortune, rooted in gold, salt, and land, remains a subject of intrigue and speculation.