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Mansa Musa, known as the medieval African ruler to the world outside of Africa, was the 14th-century emperor of the Mali Empire and was believed to have been the richest person in history, even by today’s standards. His expansive kingdom included all or parts of modern-day Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Ez Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Chad.

Beyond wealth and power, Musa also valued knowledge. When he returned from Mecca to Timbuktu, he brought along scholars and architects to revitalize cities in his kingdom and build mosques, such as the iconic Djinguereber Mosque, now Timbuktu's oldest monument and major landmark. Mansa Musa’s riches may be a big part of his legacy, but the West African emperor is remembered for his Islamic faith, promotion of scholarship, and patronage of culture in Mali.