Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca

Mansa Musa Keita, the ruler of the Mali Empire, is renowned for his pilgrimage to Mecca, which is often regarded as a pivotal event in the history of West Africa. This pilgrimage was not merely a religious journey; it was a demonstration of the wealth and power of the Mali Empire. Mansa Musa traveled with a large entourage, which included a personal guard of approximately 500 men. The exact number of people in his caravan is debated, but it is widely accepted that it was substantial, showcasing the resources of his empire. During the pilgrimage, Mansa Musa distributed vast amounts of gold as alms and purchased numerous goods, which had a significant economic impact on the regions he traversed, particularly in Egypt and Arabia. The influx of gold into these economies led to a depreciation of its value, affecting trade and commerce for over a decade.