The world first witnessed the the extent of Mansa Musa’s wealth in 1324 when he took his pilgrimage to Mecca. Not one to travel on a budget, he brought a caravan as far as the eyes can see. Stopping in cities such as Cairo, Mansa Musa is said to have spent massive quantities of gold - giving to the poor, buying souvenirs and even building mosques along the way. By the time Mansa Musa returned, tales of his amazing wealth had spread to the ports of the Mediterranean, making him and his empire world known.
From the TED-Ed Lesson Mansa Musa, one of the wealthiest people who ever lived - Jessica Smith
Animation by Sandro Katamashvili