Introduction
Have you ever wondered who the wealthiest person in the history of humanity was? Was it a modern-day billionaire like Jeff Bezos or Elon Musk? Or was it someone from the distant past? The answer may surprise you.
The Richest Person That Ever Lived
When it comes to determining the richest person of all time, it’s not an easy task to undertake. The net worth of certain individuals from the past is hard to estimate due to missing historical records, currency valuation fluctuations, and spanning the centuries – but there is some data available to help track wealth records throughout history.
One name that stands out is the African Emperor Musa Keita I of Mali (c. 1280 – c. 1337) with an estimated net worth of $400 billion. Also known as Mansa Musa, he ruled over West Africa’s Mali Empire in the fourteenth century, making him one of the wealthiest individuals to have ever lived.
Musa is said to have controlled roughly a quarter of the world’s gold supply, which he gained access to from Mali’s productive gold mines. He was reputedly so rich that during his infamous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324, he traveled with a caravan consisting of tens of thousands of people, 80 camels laden with 300 pounds of gold each, and many other precious commodities.
Musa Keita’s Legacy
Musa’s vast wealth and generosity left an enduring legacy even after his death. He built numerous enduring architectural wonders in Mali, including mosques and libraries, and donated heavily to education and learning initiatives, particularly in the Muslim world. He also assisted in constructing some of West Africa’s most impressive buildings and institutions, giving to scholars and supporting research institutes.
Considering the wealth Musa accumulated and wielded when one adjusts for inflation, one could say that he was richer than anyone who has ever lived in modern times.
Conclusion
The title of the wealthiest individual to have ever lived has been held for centuries by Musa Keita I of Mali, with an estimated net worth of $400 billion and ownership of most of the world’s gold at the time. In addition to his incredible wealth, Musa was also an admired, generous, and forward-thinking ruler whose legacy continues to inspire people studying his story, even today, centuries later.
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