Why is Mansa Musa considered as the richest man in the history? Like weren't there Asian rulers from China or Indian sub continent who were significantly better off then him?

by itsyourboysid

Just a doubt in my head, since I'm asian and have not studied history of African continent pre colonisation much, I just don't understand how an African ruler could be better off then emperors from either of these countries considering the fact that both of these countries together controlled half of the world gdp according to books that I have read. I could be horribly wrong and if that's the case I'm really sorry.

jelvinjs7

I'm afraid that reports of Mansa Musa's wealth have been gravely exaggerated. More can probably be said—particularly in regards to comparing the wealth of kingdoms in Africa vs Asia—if anyone has something more to add, but in the meantime, here are some older answers to help out: