Mansa Mussa

            Mansa Musa ruled over Mali. He was the ancestor of Sundiata. Mansa Musa was one of the most famous leaders of Mali. He was also very rich which brought a lot of attention to him. He brought Islam and architecture to his kingdom. Mansa Musa put Mali on the map with his trip to Mecca. Mali became a very wealthy and great city under his rule. Mansa Musa brought architecture, education, and important buildings to Mali after his hajj to Mecca. 
            The great leader of Mali took the throne in 1312. When he was leader, he put a few more countries under Mali’s control. These countries included Timbuktu and Gao. He was essentially Muslim but respected all religions of his people. He encouraged education and trade. He was good to his people and was a firm ruler. He had a great army and knew how to run his country. 
            When Mansa Musa went on his hajj to Mecca, he brought a lot of people. He brought servants and camels carrying gold. There was said to be 60,000 people that came with him on his hajj. He was a very rich man and flaunted it by giving generously everywhere he went. He especially gave to Egypt and the value of gold ended up dropping. He ended up having to borrow money for his trip back to Mali because he had given it all away. 
            After Mansa Musa returned to Mali, he had brought with him some important people. These people included some religious scholars, a library, and a man named al-Sahilli who was an architect. He helped design and build some of the famous mosques in Mali. Architecture boomed in Mali. A trade city was built and trade began to flourish. Things were looking up for Mali, especially when the Sankore University in Timbuktu was built. Muslims from all over came to be educated. Mali became a rich and wonderful city with lots of trade under Mansa Musa’s rule.
            Mansa Musa was perhaps the greatest king Mali had ever had. He ruled for 25 years. He gave generously to everywhere he went and when he took loans out, he repaid them full tilt. He was responsible for his country’s wealth and economic status, which were exceedingly good. Everyone who lived in Mali was happy with this great leader on the throne. 

Essay by Kylie W