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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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

Plus de questions

9.Which of the following materials were used to create the artistic legacy of the Kingdom of Benin? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- ABronze
- BBrass
- CIvory
- DGold
- EIron
10.Which of the following statements about the Kingdom of Benin are true? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- AIt was one of the oldest and most developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa.
- BIt has no historical relation to the modern republic of Benin.
- CIt was annexed by the British Empire in 1897.
- DIt was a European colony from the 15th century.
- EIt grew out of the Edo Kingdom of Igodomigodo.
11.The Kingdom of Benin is the same as the modern republic of Benin.
Easy
True or false?
12.The Kingdom of Benin was annexed by the British Empire in 1897.
Easy
True or false?
13.The rulers of Igodomigodo were called Ogiso, which means 'ruler of the sky'.
Easy
True or false?
14.Eweka was crowned Oba around 1200, with royal regalia sent from Ife by his father Oranmiyan.
Easy
True or false?
15.Match each person or group to their role in the history of Benin.
Medium
- Ogiso
- Oranmiyan
- Eweka
- Evian
- Ruler of Igodomigodo, meaning 'ruler of the sky'
- Prince from Ile-Ife who became the first Oba
- Son of Oranmiyan, crowned Oba around 1200
- Earth-priest chosen as head of state after Owodo
16.Put these stages in the early history of Benin in the correct chronological order, from earliest to latest.
Medium
- Igodomigodo develops as an organised polity
- Ogiso Owodo is overthrown and Evian becomes head of state
- Oranmiyan arrives from Ile-Ife and the title 'Oba' is established
- Eweka is crowned Oba around 1200
17.Put these key events in the history of the Kingdom of Benin in the correct chronological order, from earliest to latest.
Medium
- The territory becomes primarily agricultural and its inhabitants use iron
- Igodomigodo is established as an organised polity
- The kingdom reaches the height of its prosperity and trades with European powers
- The kingdom is annexed by the British Empire
18.Match each term to its meaning in the history of the Kingdom of Benin.
Medium
- Ogiso
- Okaevbo
- Edionevbo
- Oba
- Ruler of the sky
- Head of state
- Ruling council of chiefs
- Title for the rulers of Benin established after Oranmiyan's arrival
19.Put these events from the history of the Kingdom of Benin in the correct chronological order, from earliest to latest.
Medium
- Igodomigodo coalesces as an organized polity
- Ogiso Owodo is overthrown
- Oranmiyan arrives from Ile-Ife
- Eweka is crowned Oba
- The Kingdom of Benin is annexed by the British Empire
20.Which of the following were used to create the artistic legacy of the Kingdom of Benin? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- ACast bronze
- BIron
- CBrass
- DCarved ivory
- EMarble
21.What was the name of the earliest organized polity in the region that became Benin?
Easy
- AIgodomigodo
- BIle-Ibinu
- CEdo
- DDahomey
22.The Kingdom of Benin had no historical relation to the modern republic of Benin.
Easy
True or false?
23.Why did the early city of Igodomigodo develop successfully in its rainforest location?
Medium
- AThe rainforest provided abundant resources such as fish, animals, roofing leaves, medicine, ivory and wood
- BThe rainforest had no predators, so the inhabitants could live without defences
- CThe rainforest soil was too poor for farming, so the people relied entirely on trade with Europeans
- DThe rainforest was avoided by other groups, so the city never faced any attacks
24.Why were cattle and goats able to survive in the Benin region only after centuries of exposure?
Medium
- AThey were brought by Portuguese traders who bred them specially
- BThey developed resistance to a disease spread by tsetse flies
- CThe rainforest was cleared, removing all insects that harmed them
- DThey were kept indoors and never exposed to wild animals
25.Why did the Edionevbo (ruling council of chiefs) send emissaries to Ile-Ife?
Medium
- ATo ask a prince of Ile-Ife to restore order and legitimacy to their throne
- BTo demand that Ile-Ife pay tribute to the Ogiso
- CTo invite European traders to settle in the capital
- DTo request military help against the British Empire
26.Oranmiyan abdicated the throne of Benin in favour of his son Eweka. What reason did he give for this decision?
Medium
- AHe wanted to return to ruling in Ile-Ife and believed only a native could rule Benin effectively
- BHe was defeated in battle by Ogiamwen and forced to leave the city
- CHe was too old to continue as Oba and wished to retire
- DHe had converted to Christianity and could no longer lead the kingdom
27.Some traditions claim that Owodo's son Ekaladerhan and Oduduwa are the same person. How do most historians regard these accounts?
Hard
- AAs the oldest and most reliable records of Benin's origins
- BAs recent inventions or distortions of older traditions shaped by modern Nigerian society
- CAs proof that the Yoruba founded every West African kingdom
- DAs Portuguese records copied into Benin's archives
28.Which statement best explains why the 'official' tradition of Oranmiyan's arrival became a 'stock narrative'?
Medium
- AIt justified the expansion of Yoruba cultural and economic influence into Igodomigodo
- BIt was written down by British officials in 1897
- CIt proved that Benin had never been an independent state
- DIt was created to encourage trade with Portugal
29.What was the main consequence of the British annexation of the Kingdom of Benin in 1897?
Medium
- AThe kingdom became a fully independent republic
- BThe kingdom ended as a sovereign state but endured as a non-sovereign monarchy
- CThe Oba was replaced by a Portuguese governor
- DBenin City was abandoned and never rebuilt
30.Which of the following were consequences of the Kingdom of Benin's expansion and prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries? (Select all that apply.)
Medium
- AIts territory expanded
- BIt traded with European powers
- CIt produced a remarkable artistic legacy in bronze, brass and ivory
- DIt was annexed by the British Empire
- EIt abandoned the title of Oba
31.Which of the following statements explain why historical traditions about Benin's first Oba differ? (Select all that apply.)
Hard
- ATraditions were shaped to justify the expansion of Yoruba influence
- BSome accounts were first recorded only in the 1970s
- CDifferent groups had an interest in claiming the founding of the dynasty
- DAll traditions were written by the same Portuguese chronicler
- EThe events were recorded in full detail at the time they happened
32.The dense vegetation and narrow paths of the rainforest made the early capital easier to defend against attack.
Medium
True or false?
33.The rainforest was a poor location for the early capital because it offered few natural resources.
Medium
True or false?
34.Benin's prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries was accompanied by territorial expansion and trade with European powers.
Medium
True or false?
35.Match each cause to its consequence in the history of Benin.
Medium
- Evian tried to pass power to his son
- Ogiamwen had many supporters in the Efa wards
- Oranmiyan found the kingdom's politics difficult
- The rainforest had dense vegetation
- The Edionevbo sent emissaries to Ile-Ife
- A battle broke out when Oranmiyan arrived
- He abdicated in favour of his son Eweka
- The early capital was easy to defend
36.Put these stages in the development of the Benin state in the correct chronological order, from earliest to latest.
Medium
- The Benin territory becomes primarily agricultural and its inhabitants use iron
- Igodomigodo coalesces as the earliest organised polity
- Ogiso Owodo is overthrown and Evian becomes head of state
- Oranmiyan arrives and the title 'Oba' is established
- Eweka is crowned Oba
37.Put these changes and continuities in the correct chronological order, from earliest to latest.
Medium
- The Benin territory becomes partially agricultural by the 1st century BC
- Igodomigodo's rulers hold the title Ogiso
- The title 'Oba' is established after Oranmiyan's arrival
- The empire reaches the height of its prosperity in the 15th and 16th centuries
- The kingdom is annexed by the British Empire
38.A student reads a Benin tradition that states: 'Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa, accepted the council's invitation; his arrival marked the beginning of the new Yoruba dynasty and the establishment of the title Oba for the rulers of Benin.' The same student reads that this version serves as a 'stock narrative' used by the leaders of the Ife Empire to explain and justify the expansion of Yoruba cultural and economic influence into Igodomigodo. What does this second piece of evidence suggest about the tradition?
Medium
- AIt was invented in the 1970s to challenge Yoruba influence.
- BIt may have been shaped to justify Ife's political and cultural expansion.
- CIt proves that Oranmiyan was not a real historical figure.
- DIt shows that the Edo people had no traditions of their own.
39.A historian studying the origins of the first Oba of Benin finds two traditions. Tradition A (the 'official' tradition) says Oranmiyan, son of Oduduwa, came from Ile-Ife. Tradition B (first recorded in the 1970s) says the founding Oba was the son or grandson of Ogiso Owodo, an Edo native. Which statement best explains why historians generally treat these two traditions differently?
Medium
- ATradition A is older and therefore always more reliable.
- BTradition B is supported by archaeological evidence from the 1970s.
- CTradition B is seen as a recent invention or distortion responding to modern Nigerian politics.
- DTradition A was written by the British during the 1897 expedition.
40.
The following table shows evidence about domesticated animals in the Benin region. Study it, then answer the question.
Evidence Detail
Disease carrier tsetse flies
Effect on domesticated animals could not survive
Animals that later developed resistance cattle and goats
Time needed for resistance after centuries of exposure
Which conclusion is best supported by this evidence?
Medium
- ADomesticated animals were never kept in the Benin region.
- BThe tsetse fly made all farming impossible in Benin.
- CCattle and goats were introduced only after 1897.
- DOver a long period, some domesticated animals adapted to a disease spread by tsetse flies.
41.Complete the sentence about the early history of Benin.
Easy
The earliest organised polity in the region was ____, whose ruler was called ____. Its first capital was ____, meaning 'town of Igodo'.
42.Complete the sentence about the rulers of Benin.
Easy
The title ____ was established for the rulers of Benin when ____ arrived from Ile-Ife.
43.What was the capital of the Kingdom of Benin called before it became known as Benin City?
Easy
44.What title was given to the ruler of the Kingdom of Benin?
Medium
45.In which year was the Kingdom of Benin annexed by the British Empire?
Medium
46.According to Egharevba, in what year was Eweka crowned Oba?
Medium
47.What was the name of the first capital of Igodomigodo?
Medium
48.In what year was the Kingdom of Benin annexed by the British Empire?
Medium
49.Which disease-carrying insect prevented domesticated animals from surviving in the Benin region?
Easy
50.What term describes the ruler of Igodomigodo, meaning 'ruler of the sky'?
Medium
51.Complete the sentence about the consequences of Benin's location and resources.
Medium
The rainforest helped Igodomigodo develop because it provided ____ for carving and trading, and ____ for building boats.
52.Complete the sentence about why Oranmiyan gave up the throne.
Medium
Oranmiyan abdicated in favour of his son Eweka because he was a ____ and said that only a ____ could rule effectively.
53.Explain why the rainforest helped the early city of Igodomigodo to develop.
Hard
54.Describe the different historical traditions about who the first Oba of Benin was, and explain why historians disagree about this.
Hard
55.Explain why the rainforest location of Igodomigodo helped the city to develop and survive.
Hard
56.Explain why historians disagree about who the first Oba of Benin was.
Hard
57.Explain how the evidence of the 'official' tradition and the alternative tradition recorded in the 1970s helps historians understand why accounts of Benin's first Oba differ.
Hard
58.In which year was the Kingdom of Benin annexed by the British Empire?
Medium
- A2277 CE
- B2087 CE
- C1707 CE
- D1897 CE
59.According to Egharevba, in what year was Eweka crowned Oba?
Medium
- A1200 CE
- B1080 CE
- C1440 CE
- D1320 CE
60.In what year was the Kingdom of Benin annexed by the British Empire?
Medium
- A2277
- B1707
- C2087
- D1897

Notes de révision

## The Kingdom of Benin (c. 1180–1897) - **What it was:** A traditional kingdom in southern Nigeria, also called the Empire of Benin or Great Benin. It is **not** the modern republic of Benin (which was Dahomey until 1975). Its capital was **Edo**, now **Benin City** in Edo State, Nigeria. - One of the **oldest and most developed states** in the coastal hinterland of West Africa. It grew out of the earlier **Edo Kingdom of Igodomigodo** around the 11th century AD. - It was **annexed by the British Empire in 1897**, but endured as a **non-sovereign monarchy**. ## Early settlement - By the **1st century BC**, the Benin territory was partly agricultural; by around **AD 500** it was mainly agricultural, though hunting and gathering still mattered. - Also by **AD 500**, inhabitants used **iron**. ## Igodomigodo (900–1180 CE) - The earliest organised polity in the region. It formed from existing autonomous communities in the late 1st millennium CE. - The ruler was called **Ogiso** — “the ruler of the sky”. The Egiso established many cultural and social traditions that shaped Benin. - **Igodomigodo** means “town of Igodo”; it was the first capital. Its forest setting — dense vegetation and narrow paths — made it easy to defend. - The rainforest supplied fish, animals to hunt, leaves for roofing, plants for medicine, ivory for carving and trading, and wood for boats. - Domesticated animals could not survive because of a disease spread by **tsetse flies**; after centuries, some animals such as cattle and goats developed resistance. ## Ile-Ibinu (1180–1255 CE) - By the start of the 13th century, **Ogiso Owodo** was overthrown after a tumultuous and incompetent reign. - The people chose **Evian**, a popular and powerful Ogifa (earth-priest and chief of the local Efa people), as **okaevbo** (head of state). - Evian tried to pass power to his son **Ogiamwen**, creating a new royal dynasty. The **Edionevbo** (ruling council of chiefs) refused to sanction this and asked a prince of **Ile-Ife** to restore order and legitimacy. - **Oranmiyan**, son of Oduduwa, accepted the invitation. His arrival began a new Yoruba dynasty and established the title **“Oba”** for Benin’s rulers. - Another tradition says the founding Oba was not Yoruba but a son or grandson of Ogiso Owodo; some claim Owodo’s son **Ekaladerhan** and Oduduwa are the same person. Historians generally see these alternative accounts as recent inventions or distortions. - Oranmiyan’s claim was not universally accepted. **Ogiamwen**, son of Evian, had many supporters in the city’s Efa wards. A battle followed; the newcomers, supported by the Edionevbo, entered the city. - Oranmiyan struggled with the divided kingdom’s politics. He married **Erinmwinde**, daughter of a local chief, and they 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 and insignia sent from Ife by his father. Because he was young, Oranmiyan appointed the Onogie of Ego, Ogiefa, Ihama, Oloton and others to govern until he came of age. Eweka’s maternal grandfather, the **Onogie of Ego**, was his chief adviser and protector. ## Height of prosperity - In the **15th and 16th centuries**, the empire reached its height: expanding territory, trading with European powers, and creating a remarkable artistic legacy in **cast bronze, iron, brass, carved ivory** and other materials. ## Key exam points - Know the **dates**: c. 1180–1897; Igodomigodo 900–1180; Ile-Ibinu 1180–1255; height 15th–16th centuries; British annexation 1897. - Know the **terms**: Ogiso, Oba, Edionevbo, okaevbo, Igodomigodo, Ile-Ibinu, Edo/Benin City. - Understand **change and continuity**: from Igodomigodo to Ile-Ibinu to the Oba dynasty; from independent kingdom to non-sovereign monarchy. - Use **evidence**: Benin Bronzes show artistic skill and trade; traditions about Oranmiyan show how history is debated.

Kingdom of Benin: A traditional kingdom in southern Nigeria, also called the Empire of Benin or Great Benin; not the modern republic of Benin (Dahomey until 1975).
Edo: The Kingdom of Benin’s capital, now known as Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria.
Igodomigodo: The earliest organised polity in the region that became Benin (900–1180 CE); means “town of Igodo”; its ruler was called Ogiso.
Ogiso: The ruler of Igodomigodo, meaning “the ruler of the sky”.
Ile-Ibinu: The period 1180–1255 CE, beginning after Ogiso Owodo was overthrown and Evian became head of state.
Oba: The title for the rulers of Benin, established after Oranmiyan’s arrival.
Edionevbo: The ruling council of chiefs in Benin.
Okaevbo: Head of state; the title given to Evian.
Oranmiyan: Son of Oduduwa, invited from Ile-Ife; his arrival began a new Yoruba dynasty and the title “Oba”.
Eweka: Son of Oranmiyan and Erinmwinde; crowned Oba around 1200.
Benin Bronzes: Artistic works in cast bronze, brass, carved ivory and other materials, part of Benin’s remarkable artistic legacy.
1897: The year the Kingdom of Benin was annexed by the British Empire; it endured as a non-sovereign monarchy.

Cartes mémo

Where was the Kingdom of Benin located?

In southern Nigeria, with its capital at Edo (now Benin City in Edo State).

When did the Kingdom of Benin exist?

From around 1180 to 1897, when it was annexed by the British Empire.

What was the Kingdom of Benin's capital called?

Edo, which is now known as Benin City.

What was the Kingdom of Benin also known as?

The Empire of Benin or Great Benin.

What was the title of the ruler of the Kingdom of Benin?

The Oba.

What was Igodomigodo?

The earliest organized polity in the region that became Benin, existing from around 900 to 1180 CE.

Who was the ruler of Igodomigodo called?

The Ogiso, meaning 'ruler of the sky'.

When did the Kingdom of Benin reach its height of prosperity?

In the 15th and 16th centuries.

What artistic legacy is the Kingdom of Benin known for?

Cast bronze, iron, brass, carved ivory, and other materials.

Which European power did the Kingdom of Benin trade with in the 15th and 16th centuries?

The Portuguese and other European powers.

When did the British Empire annex the Kingdom of Benin?

In 1897.

What happened to the Kingdom of Benin after 1897?

It was annexed by the British Empire but endured as a non-sovereign monarchy.

What are the Benin Bronzes?

A collection of cast bronze, brass, and ivory artworks created in the Kingdom of Benin, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries.

What do the Benin Bronzes tell historians?

They provide evidence of the kingdom's artistic skill, wealth, and royal culture.

What was the British punitive expedition of 1897?

A British military expedition that led to the annexation of the Kingdom of Benin and the removal of many Benin Bronzes.

Why are there debates about returning the Benin Bronzes?

Because many were taken by British forces in 1897 and are now in museums, leading to calls for their return to Nigeria.

What was the relationship between the Kingdom of Benin and the modern Republic of Benin?

There is no historical relation; the modern Republic of Benin was known as Dahomey from the 17th century until 1975.

What was the significance of the rainforest for Igodomigodo?

It provided resources like fish, animals, leaves, plants, ivory, and wood, and its dense vegetation helped defend the city.

Why couldn't domesticated animals survive in early Benin?

Due to a disease spread by tsetse flies, though some animals like cattle and goats later developed resistance.

Who was Oranmiyan?

A prince of Ile-Ife who, according to official tradition, was invited to restore order and legitimacy to the Benin throne, marking the start of the Yoruba dynasty and the title 'Oba'.

Who was Eweka?

The son of Oranmiyan and Erinmwinde, who was crowned Oba around 1200 and became the first Oba of Benin.

What was the role of the Edionevbo?

The ruling council of chiefs that refused to sanction Evian's attempt to create a new royal dynasty and invited a prince from Ile-Ife.

What was the Ogiso?

The title of the rulers of Igodomigodo, meaning 'ruler of the sky'.

When did the Benin territory become primarily agricultural?

Around A.D. 500, though hunting and gathering remained important.

When did the inhabitants of Benin territory start using iron?

By A.D. 500.

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Evidence	Detail
Disease carrier	tsetse flies
Effect on domesticated animals	could not survive
Animals that later developed resistance	cattle and goats
Time needed for resistance	after centuries of exposure