Mansa Musa's Lost Army: The Conquest of Gao

Mansa Musa: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived — Fexingo History · Oct 23, 2026 · 9m · transcript

While most histories focus on Mansa Musa’s pilgrimage and his gold, Episode 272 turns the lens toward the military engine that made such wealth possible. We explore the 1324 conquest of Gao, a pivotal moment where Mali expanded from a regional power into an empire controlling the Niger Bend. Lucas and Luna examine the role of General Tira, a commander whose tactical brilliance secured the city without total destruction, preserving its value as a trade hub. You will hear about the Koli Tekin rebellion, the strategic importance of the Dyula merchants, and how the Mali Empire balanced brute…