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TST PRACTICE

By Philosopher Michael Alan Prestwood

FAQ

Was the richest person in history an African just before colonial slavery?

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Wed 19 Feb 2025
Published 2 years ago.
Updated 4 months ago.
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Was the richest person in history an African just before colonial slavery?

Yes. Emperor Mansa Musa was the richest man in history, and yes, he was black. Born in 1280 CE, Mansa Musa was the king of the Mali Empire in West Africa. He was known for his extraordinary wealth, primarily due to the abundant gold and salt resources within his empire. In 1324, the renowned pilgrimage to Mecca by the 44-year-old devout Muslim caused quite a stir. Mansa Musa distributed so much gold that it destabilized local economies along his route. Prior to the European lead transatlantic slave trade, Africa had many centuries of up and down wealth and prosperity. Just like the rest of the world.

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Michael Alan Prestwood
Natural Philosopher & Author
Prestwood explores science-first philosophy, with particular attention to the convergence of disciplines. Drawing on his TST Philosophy, his work emphasizes rational inquiry grounded in empirical observation while engaging questions at the edges of established knowledge. With TouchstoneTruth positioned as a living touchstone, this work aims to contribute reliable, evolving analysis in an emerging AI era where the credibility of information is increasingly contested.
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“All men are prone to differ. It is no new thing in all former ages, in all parts. Each party is most right in his own eyes.”
3. Science FAQ »
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4. Philosophy FAQ »
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5. Critical Thinking FAQ »
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6. History FAQ!
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Bonus Deep-Dive Article
Roger Williams Biography and Dedication to the Freedom of Conscience

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