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In 1324, Mansa Musa, the ruler of the Mali Empire, embarked on a legendary pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca that showcased his immense wealth and power. Accompanied by a caravan of 60,000 men, including courtiers, soldiers, and slaves, he traveled in opulent style. The entourage also included 80 to 100 camels carrying vast quantities of gold, which Musa distributed generously along the route to the poor, local leaders, and merchants. His displays of wealth were not just acts of charity but also deliberate demonstrations of Mali\'s economic strength, as the empire controlled critical gold and salt trade routes. Musa\'s journey, which covered thousands of miles across the Sahara Desert and through cities like Cairo and Medina, left an indelible mark on the Islamic world, significantly elevating Mali’s international prestige.
However, Mansa Musa\'s generosity also had unintended economic consequences. In Cairo, his lavish spending and the large quantities of gold he gave away disrupted the local economy, causing inflation that reportedly lasted over a decade. The influx of gold devalued the metal, reducing its purchasing power and destabilizing markets in the region. This incident highlighted not only the immense wealth of the Mali Empire but also the interconnected nature of the medieval economy. Mansa Musa’s hajj became a symbol of his piety and dedication to Islam while cementing his reputation as one of the richest and most influential figures in history. His journey was chronicled by contemporary historians and travelers, ensuring that the tale of his generosity and its impact endured for centuries
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