Final answer:
Mansa Musa and the Mali elite became immensely rich due to the trade in gold and salt, the expansion of the empire, and Mansa Musa's lavish display of wealth during his pilgrimage to Mecca.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mansa Musa and the Mali elite became immensely rich due to three factors: the trade in gold and salt, the expansion of the Mali Empire, and the lavish display of wealth during Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca.
- The trade in gold and salt was a major source of wealth for the Mali Empire. Mali controlled the gold mines in the region and had a monopoly on the trans-Saharan trade routes, which allowed them to accumulate vast amounts of gold.
- The expansion of the Mali Empire under Mansa Musa's rule also contributed to their wealth. By conquering new territories and incorporating them into the empire, Mali gained control over valuable resources and increased its economic power.
- Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325 was a grand display of wealth, as he distributed gold to people along the way. The generous distribution of gold and the gifts he brought back with him further solidified Mali's reputation as a wealthy kingdom.