Yet this powerful military could not be supported without a formidable trade network, and as Ghana before, the powerful Mali Caliphate could call upon European desires for gold, ivory, and other trade goods to fund its coffers. Plentiful gold fields are evidenced by Imperial edicts banning any individual from possessing any gold other than coins minted by the Imperial government. Clair Townsend argues, with considerable evidence, that this was an anti-inflationary measure, to ensure the central government held a tight rein on the plentiful gold supply.(4) Money was so plentiful that supposedly when Mansa Musa stopped in Alexandria and was received by the Roman Emperor Andronikos II, the Malian Emperor made a gift of a solid golden sword and scepter to his Roman counterpart, seriously impressing the normally unflappable Andronikos. (5)