The Kingdom of Benin, centred in present-day Nigeria, flourished from the 13th to 19th centuries. Known for its sophisticated governance under the Oba and its intricate bronze artistry, the kingdom expanded through trade and military conquests. British invasion in 1897 marked its end.
This kingdom was brutally annexed by the British Empire in 1897, leading to the tragic end of a rich cultural heritage. The capital of the Kingdom of Benin was Edo, which we now recognise as Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria.
The Benin Kingdom has no historical connection to the modern republic of Benin, previously known as Dahomey from the 17th century until 1975.
Origins of the Kingdom of Benin
Established in the verdant forested region of West Africa in the 1200s C.E., it was birthed from the indomitable spirit of the Edo people of southern Nigeria.
The people were weary of their ogisos, their rulers for generations, and yearned for a fresh start. In a brave move, they looked to the powerful kingdom of Ife, known for its great leaders and warriors, and begged a prince to help them take control of their destiny.
The prince answered their call and set out on a journey to the land of the Edo people. The people welcomed him with open arms, and he became their beacon of hope, leading them towards a brighter future.
The first oba, or king, of Benin was born: the noble Eweka, son of the great prince from Ife. This was the dawn of a new era, the start of a legacy that would endure for centuries to come.
The Kingdom of Benin at its peak
In the glorious reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, the kingdom of Benin rose to unparalleled heights of power and glory. The king was a visionary, expanding the boundaries of the kingdom and transforming the capital, the mighty Benin City, into a beacon of culture and prosperity.
Massive walls defined the city, a testament to the strength and might of its rulers. The monarchs of Benin basked in the height of their power during this time, their rule extending far and wide, and their influence felt throughout the land.
Fuelling the success of Benin was the vibrant trade that flowed through its veins. Tradesmen and artisans from the kingdom formed lasting relationships with the Portuguese, who were drawn to the beauty of Benin’s artwork, gold, ivory, and pepper. But, sadly, the kingdom’s prosperity came at a great cost.
Benin was heavily involved in the West African slave trade, an abominable practice that saw the capture and sale of men, women, and children from rival peoples to European and American buyers. It was a tragic chapter in the history of the kingdom, one that left a stain on its legacy.
But amidst the darkness, there was light. The artists of Benin were renowned for their skill and creativity, working with a range of materials, including brass, wood, and ivory. Their bas-relief sculptures, particularly plaques, and life-size head sculptures were the stuff of legends, capturing historical events and portraying naturalistic and life-like heads that were simply awe-inspiring. And, of course, the artisans also crafted ivory objects, including masks and salt cellars, that were highly sought after by their European trade partners.
Decline of the Kingdom of Benin
The decline of the once-great Kingdom of Benin was marked by a brutal power struggle within the royal family. Civil unrest plagued the land, resulting in severe damage to Benin’s governance and financial stability. Weak and vulnerable, Benin faced a formidable foe in the form of foreign powers seeking to exploit their economic opportunities. In particular, the British were relentless in their pursuit of control over the West African trading network. In 1897, the British mounted a vicious attack on Benin, burning Benin City to the ground and seizing control of the kingdom. Though the kingdom no longer held sway over the region, the oba continued to serve in Benin City as a wise advisor to the people, maintaining the dignity of the proud kingdom.
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Sources
Gomez, Michael. African Dominion: A New History of Empire in Early and Medieval West Africa. Reprint edition. Princeton University Press, 2019.
National Geographic Education. “The Kingdom of Benin.” National Geographic Society. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/kingdom-benin/ (accessed March 18, 2023).
“Benin.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. https://www.britannica.com/place/Benin-historical-kingdom-West-Africa (accessed March 18, 2023).
“Kingdom of Benin.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Benin (accessed March 18, 2023).
