Research has revealed that the richest person of all time lived in the 14th century in West Africa.
He went by many names, including Kankan Musa Keita, Emir of Melle, Lord of the Mines of Wangara, Conqueror of Ghanata, and the Lion of Mali II, but today, he is usually referred to as Mansa Musa.
Adjusting his wealth to modern values, he was worth an estimated $400 billion as the Sultan of ancient Mali, which controlled the trade routes across the Sahara Desert.
Mali empire was central to several key trading routes in the world, and with the support of a well-trained army, Mali became a very strong and powerful kingdom.
While on a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 AD, Mansa Musa brought so much money and gold with him that his visit resulted in the collapse of gold prices in Egypt, Arabia, and the Western world.
It took another twelve years for the economies of the region to return to what it was.
How come we hardly hear about this great African Empire?
