Mansa Musa's Gold: The True Weight of Mali's Mithqals
The Mali Empire: The Richest Civilization in History — Fexingo HistoryPlay episode
Show notes
In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna dive into the economic mechanics behind Mali's legendary gold trade, focusing on the 'mithqal' — the standard gold coin that shaped the empire's wealth. They explore how Mansa Musa's hajj and his spending in Cairo disrupted currency values, but more importantly, they uncover the intricate systems of gold production, measurement, and exchange that made Mali the richest civilization of its time. From the Wangara's secret goldfields to the bustling markets of Timbuktu and Djenne, the conversation reveals how Mali controlled its gold supply and why the mithqal became a benchmark for trade across the Sahara and beyond. The hosts also touch on the role of the farari (royal officials) in managing the gold trade, the challenges of weighing gold dust, and how Mali's economic policies outlasted the empire itself. Tune in for a fresh perspective on a familiar topic, with new details from Ibn Battuta's travels and contemporary sources that bring the golden age of Mali to life. #MaliEmpire #MansaMusa #GoldTrade #Mithqal #Wangara #Timbuktu #Djenne #IbnBattuta #SaharanTrade #WestAfrica #EconomicHistory #Gold #Sahel #Farari #Bambuk #Boure #AfricanEmpires #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
