Final answer:
Mansa Musa was an emperor of the Mali Empire who expanded its territory, established Timbuktu as a learning center, and is celebrated for his lavish pilgrimage to Mecca which showcased his empire's immense wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who Was Mansa Musa?
Mansa Musa was the tenth Mansa, which translates to 'sultan', 'emperor', or 'king', of the wealthy West African Islamic Mali Empire. Musa's reign from 1312 to 1337 was marked by significant expansion and prosperity. Under his rule, the Mali Empire nearly doubled in size, which included the fabled city of Timbuktu, and his empire became a hub for culture, religion, and learning, as well as a uniting force for Islam in West Africa. Mansa Musa is famously remembered for his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324-1325, an extravagant journey that not only heightened the Islamic world's perception of Mali's wealth but also caused a notable influx of gold into the regions he passed through, particularly Cairo.
His commitment to Islam and educational development was paramount, exemplified by his efforts to transform Timbuktu into a center of learning and scholarship, and his sponsorship of students to study abroad. Mansa Musa's reign established long-standing diplomatic relationships and created an empire renowned for its wealth, complex trade networks of gold and salt, and the leader's elaborate displays of prosperity and generosity.