Who was the greatest ruler of Mali’s Empire History JSS 2 Second Term Lesson Notes

Mansa Musa is often regarded as the greatest ruler of the Mali Empire.

Mansa Musa, born in the early 14th century, is widely considered the greatest ruler of the Mali Empire. He ascended to the throne around 1312 and is renowned for his significant contributions to the empire’s wealth, culture, and influence.

1. Wealth and Pilgrimage: Mansa Musa is famous for his extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca, which took place around 1324–1325. During this journey, he showcased the immense wealth of the Mali Empire. His caravan was accompanied by a vast entourage and carried tons of gold, contributing to the perception of Mali as one of the wealthiest empires of its time.
2. Promotion of Islam: Mansa Musa played a crucial role in promoting Islam in the Mali Empire. He brought back scholars and architects from the Middle East, contributing to the growth of Islamic education and architecture in Mali.
3. Economic Development: Mansa Musa supported economic development by fostering trade relationships, particularly in gold and salt, which were abundant resources in the Mali Empire. This further enriched the empire and strengthened its economic base.
4. Cultural Flourishing: Under Mansa Musa’s rule, Timbuktu became a major center of Islamic learning and culture. He attracted scholars, poets, and artists, making Timbuktu a renowned hub for intellectual pursuits.
5. Infrastructure and Architecture: Mansa Musa invested in the construction of mosques, palaces, and other architectural marvels, contributing to the grandeur of Mali’s cities. The famous Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu is an example of his architectural patronage.

Mansa Musa’s reign is often considered Mali’s golden age, marked by prosperity, cultural achievements, and the empire’s global recognition. His impact on the Mali Empire extended beyond his lifetime, leaving a lasting legacy in West African history.

1. Mansa Musa is often considered the greatest ruler of the ________ Empire. a. Ghana b. Mali c. Songhai d. Axum
2. Mansa Musa’s extravagant pilgrimage to Mecca took place around the years ________. a. 1200–1201 b. 1305–1306 c. 1312–1313 d. 1324–1325
3. The pilgrimage of Mansa Musa showcased the immense ________ of the Mali Empire. a. Agriculture b. Gold c. Trade d. Religion
4. Mansa Musa contributed to the promotion of ________ in the Mali Empire. a. Christianity b. Buddhism c. Islam d. Hinduism
5. The caravan accompanying Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage carried significant amounts of ________. a. Salt b. Silver c. Gold d. Iron
6. Mansa Musa’s reign in the Mali Empire is often referred to as its ________ age. a. Bronze b. Silver c. Golden d. Iron
7. Mansa Musa attracted scholars and artists, contributing to the cultural flourishing of ________. a. Timbuktu b. Gao c. Jenne d. Niani
8. Mansa Musa’s economic development initiatives focused on fostering trade in ________. a. Timber b. Gold and salt c. Silk and spices d. Ivory
9. Under Mansa Musa’s rule, ________ became a major center of Islamic learning. a. Gao b. Timbuktu c. Jenne d. Niani
10. Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage to Mecca significantly enhanced the global ________ of the Mali Empire. a. Economy b. Culture c. Influence d. Politics
11. The Djinguereber Mosque in ________ is an example of Mansa Musa’s architectural patronage. a. Gao b. Timbuktu c. Jenne d. Niani
12. Mansa Musa’s support for economic development included fostering trade in ________ resources. a. Diamond b. Gold and salt c. Copper d. Oil
13. Mansa Musa brought scholars and architects from the ________ East to contribute to Mali’s development. a. Western b. Southern c. Northern d. Middle
14. Mansa Musa’s reign left a lasting legacy in ________ African history. a. East b. West c. South d. North
15. The wealth showcased during Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage contributed to the perception of Mali as one of the ________ empires of its time. a. Poorest b. Smallest c. Wealthiest d. Youngest