The Kingdom of Benin
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Introduction to the Kingdom of Benin
- The Kingdom of Benin was a powerful state in what is now southern Nigeria.
- It was also known as the Empire of Benin or Great Benin.
- It has no connection to the modern country called Benin, which was formerly Dahomey.
- The capital was Edo, now called Benin City, in Edo State, Nigeria.
- It was one of the oldest and most developed states in coastal West Africa.
- It grew from the earlier Edo Kingdom of Igodomigodo around the 11th century AD.
- It was annexed by the British Empire in 1897 but continued as a non-sovereign monarchy.
Origins and Early Settlement
- Ancient ancestors of the Edo people may have lived in the Sahara during its wet period before migrating south.
- The movement of Proto-Edoid peoples to West Africa may be linked to the spread of Sahel agriculture after the Sahara dried up around 3500 BCE.
- By the 1st century BC, the Benin territory was partly agricultural.
- By around AD 500, it was mainly agricultural, though hunting and gathering remained important.
- Also by AD 500, the inhabitants used iron.
Igodomigodo (900–1180 CE)
- Igodomigodo was the earliest organised state in the region, formed in the late 1st millennium CE.
- Its ruler was called the Ogiso, meaning 'ruler of the sky'.
- The Ogiso established many cultural and social traditions that shaped Benin.
- Igodomigodo means 'town of Igodo' and was the first capital.
- It was built in a dense forest with narrow paths, making it easy to defend.
- The rainforest provided resources like fish, animals, leaves for roofing, plants for medicine, ivory, and wood.
- Domesticated animals could not survive at first due to tsetse fly disease, but later some like cattle and goats developed resistance.
Ile-Ibinu and the Rise of the Oba (1180–1255 CE)
- By the early 13th century, Ogiso Owodo was overthrown after a troubled reign.
- Evian, a powerful earth-priest, was chosen as head of state.
- Evian tried to make his son Ogiamwen the next ruler, but the ruling council of chiefs refused.
- The council asked a prince from Ile-Ife to restore order and legitimacy.
- According to official tradition, Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa, accepted and became the first Oba of Benin.
- Another tradition claims the first Oba was not Yoruba but a descendant of Ogiso Owodo, though historians see this as a later invention.
- Oranmiyan struggled with local politics, married a local chief's daughter, and had a son, Eweka.
- Oranmiyan abdicated in favour of Eweka, saying only a native could rule effectively.
- Eweka was crowned Oba around 1200, with royal regalia sent from Ife.
Benin City and Its Walls
- The capital, Edo (Benin City), was a large and well-planned city.
- It was surrounded by extensive earthworks and walls, which impressed European visitors.
- The walls were built for defence and to mark the city's boundaries.
- The city was a centre of trade, craft, and royal administration.
- Its layout reflected the power and organisation of the Oba and his chiefs.
Trade and European Contact
- In the 15th and 16th centuries, Benin reached its height of prosperity.
- It expanded its territory and traded with European powers, especially the Portuguese.
- Benin traded goods such as ivory, pepper, palm oil, and cloth.
- In return, Europeans brought brass, copper, and other goods.
- Trade brought wealth and helped Benin develop its famous art.
The Benin Bronzes and Art
- Benin is famous for its remarkable artworks in cast bronze, iron, brass, carved ivory, and other materials.
- The Benin Bronzes are a collection of plaques, sculptures, and other objects made from brass and bronze.
- They were created for the royal palace and depict Obas, chiefs, warriors, and historical events.
- They show the skill of Benin craftsmen and tell historians about Benin's history, culture, and religion.
- The bronzes also show the wealth and power of the Oba and the kingdom.
The British Punitive Expedition of 1897
- In 1897, a British force launched a punitive expedition against Benin.
- The British captured Benin City, exiled the Oba, and annexed the kingdom.
- During the expedition, thousands of Benin Bronzes and other artworks were taken.
- These objects were later sold and ended up in museums and collections around the world.
- The expedition marked the end of Benin as an independent kingdom.
Debates About Returning the Bronzes
- There is ongoing debate about whether the Benin Bronzes should be returned to Nigeria.
- Many argue that the bronzes were looted and should be given back.
- Others argue that they are part of world heritage and should remain in museums.
- Some museums have agreed to return objects or discuss their return.
- The debate raises questions about colonialism, cultural heritage, and justice.
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Übungsfragen
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1.What was the capital of the Kingdom of Benin?
Easy- AEdo (now Benin City)
- BIle-Ife
- CDahomey
- DIgodomigodo
2.In the Kingdom of Benin, what title was given to the ruler?
Easy- AOba
- BOgiso
- COnogie
- DOkaevbo
3.Which kingdom immediately preceded the Kingdom of Benin and had rulers called Ogiso?
Easy- AIgodomigodo
- BIle-Ibinu
- CDahomey
- DIle-Ife
4.According to the 'official' tradition, who arrived from Ile-Ife and became the first Oba of Benin?
Medium- AOranmiyan
- BEweka
- COgiamwen
- DEvian
5.Which people were the first rulers of Igodomigodo, before the title 'Oba' was used?
Medium- AThe Ogiso
- BThe Edionevbo
- CThe Efa
- DThe Yoruba
6.Why was the rainforest a helpful location for the early capital of Igodomigodo?
Medium- AIts dense vegetation and narrow paths made the city easy to defend
- BIt provided open land for large-scale cattle farming
- CIt allowed the city to trade directly with Europeans by sea
- DIt supplied stone for building strong walls
7.When did the Kingdom of Benin reach the height of its prosperity?
Medium- AIn the 15th and 16th centuries
- BIn the 11th century
- CIn the 13th century
- DIn the 19th century
8.Which European power did the Kingdom of Benin trade with in the 15th and 16th centuries?
Medium- APortugal
- BBritain
- CSpain
- DFrance
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