Mansa Musa

Sirio Canós-Donnay, an archaeologist specializing in West African history, joins the discussion about Mansa Musa, often hailed as history's wealthiest man. They delve into Mansa Musa's legendary pilgrimage to Mecca, revealing how his extravagant generosity in Cairo caused gold to devalue. The conversation explores the Mali Empire's cultural and economic significance, tracing its roots from Sundiata Keita to Mansa Musa’s zenith. They also examine how wealth influenced perceptions of African rulers and the archaeological mysteries surrounding this ancient empire.

Mansa Musa, 14th-century Mali emperor and one of the world's wealthiest people, left a larger legacy than his famous pilgrimage to Mecca. Topics include his immense wealth, rule, interest in exploration, and questions surrounding his succession, the various sources available for studying him and the history of Mali, the vast extent of the Mali Empire, Mansa Musa's influence on architecture, the mystery surrounding his death, and his cultural and educational legacy.