Mansa Musa was the 9th Mansa (“king”) of the Mali Empire. During his reign (from 1312 to 1337 AD), the Mali Empire reached its territorial peak; this period is broadly regarded as the zenith of Mali's power and prestige. Musa was not only known for his enormous wealth, but also for his generosity, sense of justice and intelligence. His fortune was mostly built from controlling the trade of salt, copper and gold in the wider region. Mansa Musa himself further promoted the appearance of having vast, inexhaustible wealth by spreading rumours that “gold grew like a plant” in his kingdom. According to the legends, he was the wealthiest person in history, but the extent of his actual wealth remains unknown.