Biography · Level 4 · 189 words
Mansa Musa and the Golden Journey
Original passage © Team AM, written for Hone Literacy.
In the 1300s, the empire of Mali in West Africa was ruled by a king named Mansa Musa. The word mansa means ruler. His lands were rich in gold, and he controlled trade in salt and other goods, which made him enormously wealthy.
Mansa Musa is best remembered for a long journey he made to Mecca, a holy city far to the east. He did not travel quietly. According to accounts from the time, he set out with a huge group of followers and a great supply of gold. As he passed through cities along the way, he gave away and spent so much gold that prices in some places were thrown out of balance for years afterward.
The journey did more than display his riches. It put Mali on the maps that distant scholars drew, and it drew attention to the empire's wealth and learning. Mansa Musa also brought back scholars and builders, and he supported the growth of cities such as Timbuktu, which became known as a center of study. His reign showed how a powerful African empire could shape trade and knowledge across a wide region.
Comprehension questions
1. Based on the passage, the word 'mansa' means what?
- A Gold
- B City
- C Ruler
- D Journey
Show answer
C. Ruler
The passage directly states that the word mansa means ruler.
2. Why did prices fall out of balance in some cities he passed through?
- A He took gold from those cities
- B He gave away and spent so much gold that it upset local prices
- C He closed the markets
- D He raised taxes
Show answer
B. He gave away and spent so much gold that it upset local prices
The text says he spent and gave away so much gold that prices were thrown out of balance.
3. Which city is named as a center of study that grew under his support?
- A Mecca
- B Mali
- C Timbuktu
- D Cairo
Show answer
C. Timbuktu
The passage says he supported the growth of Timbuktu, known as a center of study.
Source: Written for Hone Literacy. Original passage © Team AM, written for Hone Literacy.