Benin Empire

Nigeria, 1170–1897. Draft, not yet reviewed

The Benin Kingdom was one of the oldest and most developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the empire reached the height of its prosperity, expanding its territory, trading with European powers, and creating a remarkable artistic legacy in cast bronze, iron, brass, carved ivory, and other materials. It was annexed by the British Empire in 1897, but endured as a non-sovereign monarchy.

Seat of power: Benin City

Rulers

Eweka I

Oba of Benin, 1200–1235

He was the first Oba of the Kingdom of Benin and the first ruler of the Eweka dynasty. Accounts of his reign associate him with the beginning of the title Oba in Benin and the appointment of royal princes over settlements beyond the immediate capital.

Uwakhuahen

Oba of Benin, 1235–1243

He was the second Oba of the Kingdom of Benin, reigning from 1235 AD to 1243 AD. He ruled Benin for eight years, but he did not have any children.

Ewedo

Oba of Benin, 1255–1280

He reduced the influence of the Uzama Nihinron by relocating the royal palace from Usama to its present site in Benin City. He introduced political and administrative reforms, including new court rituals, restrictions on chiefly authority, and the development of a structured hierarchy of palace officials.

Oguola

Oba of Benin, 1280–1295

His reign is noted for the initiation of large-scale defensive works, including the early construction of the Benin walls and moats. He also directed military action against Udo, defeating its ruler, Akpanigiakon, though the town continued to challenge Benin authority in subsequent periods.

Portrait of Oguola: GuillaumeG, CC BY-SA 4.0, file

Udagbedo

Oba of Benin, 1299–1334

He implemented agricultural reforms, expanded the kingdom's territory, and established trade contacts via Saharan trade and later with European states. Accounts of his reign derive from Jacob Egharevba's A Short History of Benin, which relies heavily on oral sources.

Ohen

Oba of Benin, 1334–1370

According to traditional accounts, Ohen became paralysed after many years on the throne and concealed his condition from the court by arranging for attendants to carry him into council chambers before chiefs arrived. Several modern studies associate his reign with the reorganisation of palace guilds, especially weaving guilds connected to the royal court.

Portrait of Ohen: Unknown authorUnknown author, CC BY 3.0, file

Ewuare

Oba of Benin, 1440–1473

He rebuilt and enlarged the Benin capital, extended its walls and ditches, and reorganised the kingdom's government. He also introduced lineal succession through the title Edaiken, or crown prince.

Portrait of Ewuare: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, file

Ozolua

Oba of Benin, 1483–1514

Benin tradition remembers him as Ozolua the Conqueror. Military activity occupied much of his reign, with campaigns particularly frequent in Ishan. The earliest sustained relationship between Benin and Portugal is also associated with his reign.

Portrait of Ozolua: GuillaumeG, CC BY-SA 4.0, file

Esigie

Oba of Benin, 1504–1550

Born Osawe, his claim to the throne was opposed by his half-brother Arhuaran, who was based at Udo town. During his reign, Benin fought the Igala Kingdom, maintained diplomatic and commercial relations with Portugal, received Portuguese missionaries and armed residents, and repeatedly sought access to firearms.

Portrait of Esigie: of Bronze Casters Guild Igun Eronmwon, CC BY-SA 4.0, file

Ovonramwen

Oba of Benin, 1888–1897

He was the thirty-fifth Oba of the Kingdom of Benin and its final ruler before the kingdom lost its political independence at the end of the nineteenth century. Britain responded with the Benin Expedition of 1897, which occupied the capital in February after sustained resistance, removed large quantities of sacred and royal art and destroyed substantial parts of the palace and city. The British administration deposed him, and he was apprehended, sentenced to exile and sent to Calabar, where he remained until his death.

Portrait of Ovonramwen: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, file

Culture

The metal plaques were produced by the Guild of Benin Bronze Casters. Called Ama in the Edo language, the plaques depict scenes or represent themes in the history of the kingdom.
The Kingdom of Benin was rich in sculptures of diverse materials, such as iron, bronze, wood, ivory and terra cotta.
Benin began to trade ivory, pepper, and slaves with the Portuguese in the late 15th century.
Most of the plaques and other objects were taken by British forces during the Benin Expedition of 1897.

Picture

The Benin Bronzes are a group of several thousand metal plaques and sculptures that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin.

Image: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, file

Sources

Text adapted from the Wikipedia articles listed as sources, CC BY-SA 4.0.