Final answer:
The Mali Empire, especially during the reign of Mansa Musa, became a primary source of gold for the Mediterranean through the trade hub of Timbuktu, significantly impacting the region's economy and spurring European explorations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Source of Gold in the Mediterranean: The Mansa Musa's reign in the Mali Empire became a pivotal source of gold during the late Middle Ages, making it a major player in the economic exchanges of the Mediterranean world. This West African empire was renowned for its substantial gold reserves, which attracted European attention, particularly after Mansa Musa's lavish spending of gold during his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1327. The city-state of Timbuktu, among others, was a central hub in the Mali Empire where gold, along with salt and other commodities, was heavily traded across the Sahara, eventually impacting both Middle Eastern and European markets. During this time, nearly half of the world's gold originated from Africa, handled by the secretive merchant guild of the Wangarans, with the region of present-day Ghana being a significant source. Gold from this region was so influential that it was used to mint European coins, bolstering the economic prosperity of Mediterranean civilizations and beyond. The need for more gold even propelled the Portuguese to seek out trade routes around Africa, which ultimately led to the discovery of the Gold Coast, modern-day Ghana.