Empire of Gold | 3. Trouble in Cairo

This episode explores the historical events surrounding Mansa Musa's pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324. Against the backdrop of a grueling journey across the Sahara, the narrative follows Musa and his entourage as they reach Giza, Egypt. More significantly, the episode details a tense encounter with the Mamluk army, initially perceived as a potential threat. However, a misunderstanding is cleared up, and Musa is invited to Cairo. The episode then shifts to Musa's arrival in Cairo, describing the city's splendor and the awe inspired by Musa's grand caravan. The climax occurs when Musa refuses to bow before Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad, creating a high-stakes standoff. This refusal, a bold display of pride, sets the stage for a potential conflict between Mali and Egypt, leaving the resolution for a future episode. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger, highlighting the complex political dynamics and the potential for major consequences.