When thinking about the richest people in the world, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Gautam Adani, Bill Gates will be the first names that come to many people’s minds.

And when it comes to a man’s wealth built on gold, salt and land, meet Mansa Musa, the man known as the richest man in human history.

According to recorded history, Mansa Musa was the 9th king of the Mali Empire.

He was born into the Royal family and came to power in 1312, when his brother Mansa Abu-Bakr abdicated to go on a sea expedition.

Later, Mansa Musa became the 9th monarch of the West African kingdom, which was already considered very wealthy at the time he ascended the throne.

Historians estimate that the Mali Empire at the time King Mansa Musa came to power was the world’s largest gold-producing empire, possessing more than half of the world’s total supply.

When Musa ascended the throne, with his rule, the kingdom continued to expand trade, helping the empire grow more widely.

However, it was not only salt and gold that contributed to Mansa Musa’s wealth.

There is information that this king has never lost any battle.

At current exchange rates, it is estimated that this ruler’s wealth must amount to  400 billion USD to 500 billion USD.

However, what people remember when talking about Mansa Musa is not only the mountains of gold but also his leadership, generosity and vision to develop society and become the most outstanding leader of the Empire.

After returning from his pilgrimage, he undertook to revive the cities in the kingdom.

Achieved many achievements, but after Mansa Musa died at the age of 57 in 1337, his descendants were ultimately unable to prevent the empire from collapsing.

Source: SCMP