Musa I of Mali

Musa I (c. 1280-c. 1337) was the tenth ruler of the Mali Empire, reigning from 1312 until his death. He is remembered for his substantial personal wealth, his improvements to the infrastructure of Mali, and for his pilgrimage to Mecca. He did much to foster Islam in his empire.

The circumstances of his death are the source of debate.

Musa in "Two Thieves"
Like all those who lived and died on Earth, Musa ar-Rahman was resurrected on Riverworld in a healthy 25-year old body. He ruled the city-state Bornu, which was down-River from New Constantinople and up-River from Shytown. Musa's relationship with his respective neighbors was tense. After a period of time, Alexio Komnenos of New Constantinople entered into an alliance with Richard J. Daley of Shytown, and launched a coordinated attack on Bornu from either flank. Musa was killed, (and presumably resurrected somewhere else along the River) and Bornu was divided between the victors.

Literary Comment
It is not clear that Turtledove meant for Musa ar-Rahman to be Musa I of Mali. Turtledove reveals very little about his Musa. Both Musas appear to share certain personality traits, as well as similar racial and ethnic backgrounds Moreover, Musa I is arguably the most famous African ruler by that name. However, it is possible that Turtledove meant for his Musa to be a more obscure figure, or even a fictional one altogether.