10 Interesting Facts about Mansa Musa

Post On: May 13, 2017
By: Agustina
In: Kings

You will be informed with the tenth Mansa on Facts about Mansa Musa. He was known as Musa Keita I. He was born circa 1280 and died circa 1337. The term mansa means emperor or king in English. Mansa had an important role in West African Mali Empire because of his wealth. When Musa took the role as the king of Mali Empire, the area belonged to his territory included Mali and southern Mauritania. Here are other interesting facts about Mansa Musa below:

Facts about Mansa Musa 1: the title

Musa had many titles. He was often called as Conqueror of Ghanata, Lord of the Mines of Wangara, and Emir of Melle.

Facts about Mansa Musa 2: conquest

During his reign, he had conquered twenty-four cities. Each city had nearby districts divided into estates and villages.

Facts about Mansa Musa

Facts about Mansa Musa

Facts about Mansa Musa 3: the source of economy

The primary source of economy in Mali was gold during his reign. The demand for gold was high which made Musa wealthy. Mali appeared as the world’s largest producer.



Facts about Mansa Musa 4: the wealth

Mansa Musa had been cited in the history as one of the wealthiest people in the world. However, the exact wealth of his was not known.

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Facts about Mansa Musa 5: as Mansa Musa

Many western literature and manuscripts called him Mansa Musa. His name was also written as Kanku Musa, Kankan Musa and Kankou Musa.  The Lion of Mali, Gonga Musa, and Mali-koy Kankan Musa were the alternate names for Musa.

Mansa Musa Map

Mansa Musa Map

Facts about Mansa Musa 6: the writing of Arab scholars

The Arab scholars such as Ibn Battuta, Ibn Khaldun, and Al-Umari provided the sources about the Kings of Mali through their writings.

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Facts about Mansa Musa 7: the grandfather of Musa

Abu-Bakr Keita was said to be the grandfather of Abu-Bakr Keita according to the comprehensive history of Ibn-Khaldun. According to the oral histories, he established the Empire of Mali.

Facts about Mansa Musa 8: the father of Musa

In the history of Mali, Faga Laye, the father of Musa was not an important person for he did not hold the throne of Mali from his father.

Mansa Musa

Mansa Musa

Facts about Mansa Musa 9: taking the throne of Mali

Abubakari Keita II was the previous king who appointed Musa as the king of Mali.

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Facts about Mansa Musa 10: pilgrimage

In 1324-1325, Musa had his pilgrimage. Around 60,000 men were involved during his procession. When he had the journey, the poor people along his route would be given with gold.

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