Final answer:
Mansa Musa I ruled the Mali Empire in the 14th century, from 1312 to 1337. He is known for his wealth, the expansion of the empire, his pilgrimage to Mecca, and fostering the Islamic culture and architecture in his region.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mansa Musa I ruled the Mali Empire during the 14th century, specifically from 1312 to 1337. He is renowned for his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325, which manifested the wealth and power of his empire. Mansa Musa expanded the empire to include important cities like Timbuktu, and his rule is marked by prosperity and the promotion of Islamic learning and architecture, such as the construction of the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu.
Mansa Musa's pilgrimage had a significant impact on the economies of the regions he visited due to the vast amount of gold he distributed. His reign is considered a golden age for the Mali Empire, with economic and cultural connections stretching beyond West Africa to the Middle East and Europe. His administration featured a centralized government with provincial governors, which helped in maintaining peace and stability across the empire.
After Musa's death, the empire experienced a decline as his successors were unable to maintain the strength and unity that he had established. This led to the eventual disintegration of the empire and the rise of the Songhay Empire in the mid-14th century. The legacy of Mansa Musa's rule remains significant in the history of West Africa and the Islamic world.