The Mind-Blowing Wealth of the Richest Person to Ever Live
Have you ever wondered who the wealthiest person in history was? The answer may surprise you. According to Forbes, the richest person to ever live was Mansa Musa, the king of Mali, who lived between 1280 and 1337. His net worth is estimated to have been around $400 billion in today’s currency.
But how did he amass such mind-blowing wealth? Let’s delve into his story and find out.
The Rise of Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa inherited the throne of Mali in 1312, at the age of 31. At the time, Mali was one of the wealthiest empires in the world, thanks to its abundant natural resources, particularly gold. However, Musa took Mali’s wealth to new heights by expanding the empire’s trading routes and establishing diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms.
He also made a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, with an entourage of 60,000 people, including soldiers, merchants, and slaves. During his journey, he gave away so much gold to the people he met that it caused inflation in the regions he passed through.
The Sources of His Wealth
Mansa Musa’s primary source of wealth was gold. Mali had several gold mines that produced nearly half of the world’s gold during that time. Consequently, the empire was a significant supplier of the precious metal to the Middle East and Europe.
Besides gold, Musa’s empire also traded in other commodities such as salt, ivory, and slaves. Mali was situated at the crossroads of several major trade routes, and Musa capitalized on this by establishing new trading ties.
The Legacy of Mansa Musa
Mansa Musa’s wealth was not just impressive in its sheer magnitude. It also had a significant impact on the growing economies of the time. His pilgrimage to Mecca, for instance, is said to have introduced African gold to the Middle East and led to an increase in trade between the two regions.
Moreover, his patronage of arts and education also left a lasting legacy. He built mosques, madrasas, and libraries, attracting scholars from across the Muslim world. Today, we can still see the influence of Mansa Musa’s patronage on Saharan culture, especially in Timbuktu.
Conclusion
The story of Mansa Musa is a fascinating one, not just because of his phenomenal wealth, but also because of his achievements and legacy. He demonstrated that wealth could be used to make a difference in the world, by promoting cultural exchange, education, and innovation. Even today, nearly seven centuries after his death, he remains an inspiration to many, a testament to the enduring power and influence of wealth.
