Mansa Musa, the 14th century Emperor of Mali, is considered the richest person in history due to his control of the richest gold mines in the world. His famous pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 involved distributing so much gold that it caused economic problems in Egypt. (Representative image: Wikimedia Commons)

Over the years, a large number of kings and emperors have been known to have had some of the most vast fortunes known. Their power was demonstrated by their stunning palaces and fortresses, and their stunning jeweled thrones. Their huge temples are made of gold, and their domes are filled with gold. According to reports, some kings had their own gold mines while others obtained their gold through trade, taxes, and war. (Representative image: Wikimedia Commons)

Mansa Musa was the emperor of the powerful Malian Empire during the 14th century. He ruled a kingdom in West Africa that controlled some of the richest gold mines in the world, giving him enormous wealth. (Representative image: Wikimedia Commons)

He became internationally known in 1324 when he performed the Hajj to Mecca, traveling with thousands of soldiers, servants and camels and carrying vast quantities of gold to distribute. He is said to have distributed so much gold to people along the way in Egypt, that historians say he caused economic problems there for years. (Representative image: Wikimedia Commons)

Mansa Musa is considered by many historians to be one of the richest people who ever lived. His enormous wealth represents Mali’s power, trade, and prosperity during the medieval period. (Representative image: Wikimedia Commons)

Furthermore, by building an extensive network of mosques, schools, and libraries, Mansa Musa promoted education, religion, and culture throughout his empire. As a result, cities such as Timbuktu developed into world-renowned centers of Islamic science, intellectual advancement, learning, and international trade. (Representative image: Wikimedia Commons)