Meet the Richest Man Who Ever Lived

Summary

This video explores the astonishing wealth of Mansa Musa, the Sultan of the Mali Empire, who ruled in the 14th century. While contemporary billionaires like Jeff Bezos have fortunes in the hundreds of billions, Musa's wealth is estimated at around $400 billion when adjusted for inflation. His epic pilgrimage to Mecca involved 60,000 people and 21,000 kilograms of gold, much of which he distributed, causing a significant economic impact. Beyond his riches, Mansa Musa fostered education and culture in Timbuktu, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy and the advancement of society during a time when African contributions were often overlooked.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jeff Bezos is the richest man in the modern era with an estimated fortune of $177 billion, surpassing the GDP of many countries.
• 🌍 Mansa Musa, the 10th ruler of the Mali Empire, is recognized as the richest person in history, with an adjusted fortune estimated at around $400 billion.
• 🏺 Mansa Musa's wealth came primarily from gold and salt, commodities that were invaluable in the 14th century.
• 🚢 Mansa Musa ascended to the throne after his predecessor embarked on an expedition across the Atlantic Ocean and was never seen again.
• 🕌 Mansa Musa undertook an extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca, traveling with a caravan of 60,000 people, including elephants and camels.
• 💰 He brought an astonishing 21,000 kilograms of gold on his pilgrimage, demonstrating his immense wealth.
• 📉 Mansa Musa's generosity during his pilgrimage caused a significant decrease in the value of gold across North Africa.
• 🕌 He built mosques along his pilgrimage route, promoting Islam and culture in regions he passed through.
• 📚 Mansa Musa helped establish Timbuktu as a major center for trade, culture, and education, turning it into a renowned scholarly hub.
• 🌍 Mansa Musa's legacy reflects his commitment to philanthropy and improving the lives of others through his immense wealth.

Q & A

Who is considered the richest man in history according to the video?

Mansa Musa, the sultan of the Mali Empire, is considered the richest man in history.

How does Jeff Bezos' wealth compare to that of Mansa Musa?

Jeff Bezos' fortune is estimated at around 177 billion dollars, which is significantly less than Mansa Musa's estimated fortune of approximately 400 billion dollars when adjusted for inflation.

What two primary resources contributed to the wealth of the Mali Empire?

The wealth of the Mali Empire primarily came from gold and salt.

Why was salt considered a valuable commodity in the 14th century?

In the 14th century, salt was essential for human survival, used as a food preservative, and was highly valuable in regions where it was scarce.

What was the significance of Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca?

Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca was remarkable due to its scale, involving 60,000 people and 100 elephants, showcasing his wealth and spreading his influence and faith.

How did Mansa Musa's generosity during his pilgrimage impact the economy?

Mansa Musa's extensive giving of gold during the pilgrimage reportedly crashed gold prices across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, leading to a decade-long recession.

What cultural and educational contributions did Mansa Musa make after his pilgrimage?

After his pilgrimage, Mansa Musa invested in building mosques and educational institutions, particularly in Timbuktu, turning it into a center for trade, culture, and learning.

What was the significance of Timbuktu during Mansa Musa's reign?

Timbuktu became one of the most important centers for trade, culture, and education in the world, with the Djinguereber Mosque and Timbuktu University being key highlights.

What does the title 'Mansa' mean?

'Mansa' is a title meaning 'emperor' or 'sultan' in the context of the Mali Empire.

What was one of the lasting impacts of Mansa Musa's wealth on historical maps?

Mansa Musa's wealth and influence led to both him and the Mali Empire being depicted on world maps for the first time, including the Catalan Atlas.