Reading of Mansa Musa (Version 1)
During Mansa Musa's reign, he played a significant role in shaping the economy of the Mali Empire. One of the
key aspects of his economic influence was his ability to harness the empire's vast resources, particularly gold.
Mali was already known for its wealth, but Mansa Musa's discovery of additional gold mines further increased
its economic power.
Mansa Musa's extravagant spending during his pilgrimage to Mecca had a profound impact on the economy,
both within the Mali Empire and beyond. He traveled with a large entourage of 50,000 people, including slaves
carrying gold staffs, and 80 - 100 camels carrying 100 pounds of gold. In Cairo, Egypt, he distributed so much
gold that it caused a major devaluation of the local gold coin, leading to a decade-long depression in its value.
This demonstrates the immense wealth that Mansa Musa possessed and his ability to influence economies
through his actions.
Furthermore, Mansa Musa's fame and reputation as one of the world's wealthiest monarchs attracted attention
and interest in the Mali Empire. This increased visibility opened up new opportunities for trade and economic
growth. Merchants and traders from different parts of the world were drawn to the wealth and prosperity
associated with Mali, further enhancing the empire's economic standing.
Mansa Musa's religious tolerance also played a role in the empire's economy. Although he was a devout
Muslim, he allowed non-Muslims to practice their own religions. This policy of religious inclusivity created an
environment conducive to trade and commerce, as it welcomed people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs
to engage in economic activities within the empire.
Additionally, Mansa Musa's patronage of architecture and education had indirect economic implications. He
hired architects to build mosques and transformed Timbuktu into a center of learning and culture. This attracted
scholars from across the Islamic world, contributing to the intellectual and academic growth of the empire.
Such intellectual advancements can lead to economic growth and innovation in various fields, including trade,
agriculture, and technology.
Overall, Mansa Musa's role in the Mali Empire's economy was multi-faceted. He utilized the empire's
resources, especially gold, to expand its economic influence. His extravagant spending during his pilgrimage
brought attention to the wealth of Mali and attracted traders and merchants. His religious tolerance fostered an
environment of inclusivity and openness for trade. Furthermore, his patronage of architecture and education
contributed to the intellectual and cultural development of the empire, indirectly impacting its economy.
Reading of Mansa Musa (Version 2)
During Mansa Musa's rule, he played a big part in shaping the Mali Empire's economy. He was great at using
the empire's rich resources, especially gold. Mali was already known for being wealthy, but when Mansa Musa
found more gold mines, it made the empire even stronger economically.
Mansa Musa spent a lot of money when he visited Mecca, and this had a big impact on the economy, not just
in the Mali Empire but in other places too. He traveled with a group of 50,000 people, including slaves carrying
gold staffs, and 80 - 100 camels carrying 100 pounds of gold. In Cairo, Egypt, he gave out so much gold that
the local gold coin lost its value for about ten years. This shows how rich Mansa Musa was and how he could
change economies with what he did.
Also, because Mansa Musa was known as one of the richest kings in the world, more people got interested in
the Mali Empire. This brought new chances for trade and making more money. Traders from different parts of
the world were attracted to Mali because of its wealth and success. This made the empire even better in terms
of its economy.
Mansa Musa was also okay with different religions in the empire. Even though he was a Muslim, he let people
of other religions practice freely. This made it easy for all kinds of people to trade and do business in the
empire.
Besides that, Mansa Musa supporting the building of mosques and education indirectly helped the economy.
He hired architects to build mosques and made Timbuktu a place for learning and culture. This brought
scholars from many places in the Islamic world, which helped grow the empire in terms of knowledge and
culture. These kinds of advancements can lead to more ways of making money and improving areas like trade,
farming, and technology.
Overall, Mansa Musa did lots of things that helped the Mali Empire's economy. He used its resources well,
especially gold, to make the economy stronger. His spending during his pilgrimage showed how wealthy Mali
was and got people interested in trading there. His acceptance of different religions made it good for trade too.
Also, by supporting building and education, he helped the empire grow smarter and more culturally rich, which
also helped its economy indirectly.