IELTS Reading – History: Historical Figures 3

– Mansa Musa –

Mansa Musa, the ninth emperor of the Mali Empire, is one of the most illustrious figures in African history. Reigning during the 14th century, he is often lauded for the vast wealth he amassed, primarily through Mali’s extensive gold and salt trades. Historians frequently cite him as one of the richest individuals ever to have lived.

During his reign, Mansa Musa embarked on a famous pilgrimage to Mecca, a journey that not only cemented his devout Islamic faith but also showcased the opulence of his empire. Accompanied by a caravan consisting of tens of thousands, Musa generously distributed gold to the places he visited, inadvertently causing inflation in regions like Cairo.

Under his stewardship, the Mali Empire flourished culturally and economically. The legendary city of Timbuktu became an epicenter of Islamic scholarship and culture, with its renowned university and splendid libraries. Musa’s legacy endures not only as a paragon of wealth but also as a patron of education, arts, and architecture in the African continent.

Choose NO MORE THAN TWO words from the text for each answer.

Mansa Musa is frequently regarded as one of the most ______ figures in African history.
His immense fortune was primarily accumulated through Mali’s gold and ______ trades.
One of his notable journeys was a pilgrimage to ______, reflecting his profound Islamic faith.
Throughout this journey, Musa was accompanied by a large ______, distributing gold generously to the areas they passed.
The city of Timbuktu, under his reign, transformed into a hub of Islamic ______ and culture.
Apart from his immense wealth, Musa’s enduring ______ also lies in his patronage of education and the arts.

Choose NO MORE THAN ONE word from the text for each answer.

Mansa Musa, a prominent figure from the 14th century, is revered for the immense ______ he acquired, largely from Mali’s gold and salt trades. His renowned journey to Mecca, accompanied by an extensive ______, showcased both his devoutness and his empire’s affluence. During his pilgrimage, he distributed gold generously, leading to economic disturbances in places like Cairo. Under his guidance, Timbuktu evolved into a focal point of ______ and Islamic learning. His ______ as a benefactor of arts, education, and architecture in Africa remains undiminished.

Vocabulary Builder

Find the synonyms (words with the same or similar meaning) to these 9 words from the original passage.

Original word	Variants used
wealthiest	_______________
empire	_______________
hajj	_______________
faith	_______________
retinue	_______________
areas	_______________
learning	_______________
legacy	_______________
flourishing	_______________