How did Benin become a powerful kingdom?
The Kingdom of Benin began in the 900s but the first Oba came to power in the 12th century.
The Obas were the kings and held enormous political and religious power.
They led the kingdom to success and prosperity for hundreds of years.
Important words
Important words on the Kingdom of Benin.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Brass | A type of metal. It is made by combining copper and zinc. |
| Empire | An area of land that is ruled by a single person or country. |
| Rainforest | An area with high rainfall and large numbers of trees packed closely together. They are found on every continent in the world except Antarctica, and not all of them are in hot places. |
| Wealthy | Had lots of money. |
Watch: What did the people of Benin think about their Obas?
Find out who the Obas were and why they were so important in the Kingdom of Benin.
In the 12th century, Eweka I became the first Oba, or king, of Benin. Every Oba was seen as more than just a ruler. To the people of this West African kingdom, each was a powerful leader with a special link to the gods.
People believed the Obas were related to Osanobua, the creator god, and were linked to Olokun, the god of waters.
Over time, Obas took on an important role in festivals and ceremonies where they wore special clothes and coral crowns. Many people believed these were powerful holy objects.
The Oba was always male, but some women also had power. In the 16th century, Oba Esigie’s mother, Queen Idia, was given the title of Iyoba, or Queen Mother. She gave him advice and helped protect the kingdom, making him seem even stronger.
In the 18th century, the Obas were challenged from within the kingdom. When life became difficult, some people questioned their decisions. However, throughout much of Benin's history, the Oba was seen by many as a powerful ruler.
How did the kingdom begin?
The Kingdom of Benin began in the 900s.
The Edo people settled in the rainforests (an area with high rainfall and large numbers of trees) of West Africa.
The kingdom was called Igodomigodo.
It was ruled by a series of kings (Obas), known as Ogisos, which means ‘rulers of the sky’.
Who were the Obas?
In the 1100s the Ogisos lost control of their kingdom.
The King of a kingdom called Ife sent his son Prince Oranmiyan to bring peace to the Edo kingdom.
Oranmiyan chose his son Eweka to be the first Oba of Benin. An Oba was a ruler or the king.
By the 1400s Benin was a wealthy (had lots of money) kingdom.
The Obas lived in beautiful palaces in Benin city that were decorated with shining brass (a type of metal made with copper and zinc).
Around 1440, Ewuare became the new Oba of Benin, he built up an army.
He also rebuilt Benin City and the royal palace.
Who were the five great warrior kings?
Find out more about the warrior kings below.
| Oba | What did they do? |
|---|---|
| Oba Ewuare | First of the great warrior kings |
| Oba Ozolua | Believed to have won 200 battles. |
| Oba Esigie | Created an empire and won land from the Kingdom of Ife. |
| Oba Orhogbua | During his reign, the empire reached its largest size. |
| Oba Ehengbuda | Last of the great warrior king Obas. Benin kingdom shrank in size and power after his reign |
Listen: How did a European trader record a visit to Benin city?
Trade was very important to Benin and brought great wealth to the kingdom.
Traders from Europe were strangers and give historians an outside perspective of life in Benin.
Listen to the audio clip below to hear a merchant's description of their travels in Benin, the words read are from a Dutch writer called Olfert Dapper written in 1668.
In the year 1668 a Dutch writer called Olfert Dapper put together some merchants’ descriptions of their travels. Listen to them in this audio clip.
How did traders from Europe see Benin?
Benin City is at least four miles wide. The city has wide, straight roads, lined by houses. The houses are large and handsome with walls made from clay. The people are very friendly and there seems to be no stealing.
Inside the city is the king’s court. It is large and square and surrounded by a wall. The court is divided into many palaces with separate houses and apartments for courtiers.
The court has many galleries flanked by wooden pillars. Fixed to these pillars are shining metal plaques showing battle scenes and deeds of courage. The roofs of the palace have pointed turrets and on top of each turret there is a copper bird with outspread wings.
The king shows himself just once a year to his people, riding out of his court on horseback. He is beautifully dressed with all sorts of royal ornaments. Three or four hundred noblemen accompany their king, some on horseback and some on foot. And a great number of musicians walk before and behind him, playing merry tunes on all sorts of musical instruments.
The king doesn’t ride very far from the court, but soon returns after a little tour. Then he orders some tame leopards that he keeps, to be led about the city in chains.
How did the kingdom end?
By the 1800s, Britain wanted to take over Benin's rich natural resources (palm oil and rubber).
In 1897, a group of British officials tried to visit Benin.
A group of warriors drove them back and several British men were killed.
This attack made the British angry.
They sent over a thousand soldiers to invade Benin.
Benin City was burnt to the ground and the Kingdom of Benin became part of the British Empire (an area of land that is ruled by a single person or country).
Think like a historian
Have a look at the thinking points below and think about your answer to the questions. You could even write it down on a piece of paper or discuss it with somebody else if you want to.
What evidence shows the enormous power held by the Oba?
Why might the Oba be bigger than other people in pictures and statues?
The king’s court includes many palaces, they were seen by ordinary people once per year. They have metal plaques showing battle scenes which would have been expensive to make. The king also had beautiful clothing and wears royal ornaments.
The Oba was the most important person in the kingdom, and this showed his power. He led the kingdom and people believed he was linked to the gods and he was also placed at the centre of the art to make sure people focus on him.
Activity: Quiz – Kingdom of Benin
Grown-ups corner
Are you a parent, carer or teacher?
Take a look at some of the links below on KS2 History which are packed full of knowledge, videos, quizzes and activities.
KS2 History: The story of the Benin bronzes
BBC Bitesize for Teachers
KS2 History: Non-European Societies
BBC Bitesize for Teachers
KS2 Music: Ancient Egypt
BBC Bitesize School Radio
Horrible Histories: Raid and Trade game! game
Play Horrible Histories: Raid and Trade KS2 History
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