Benin facts and history The cowrie shell was used as a form of money. The majority of its population lives on the southern coastline of the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea in the northernmost tropical portion of the Atlantic Feb 23, 2025 · The origins of the kingdom are shrouded in myth and oral tradition, the most popular of which speaks of migration from the east that is common to many West African peoples. The city is also linked by roads to Sapele, Siluko, Okene, and Ubiaja and is served by air and the Niger River delta ports of Koko and Sapele. Did you know that it was once connected with France? Dec 12, 2023 · Background Present day Benin is comprised of about 42 ethnic groups, including the Yoruba in the southeast, who migrated from what is now Nigeria in the 12th century; the Dendi in the north-central area, who came from Mali in the 16th century; the Bariba and the Fula in the northeast; the Ottamari in the Atakora mountains; the Fon in the area around Abomey in the south-central area; and the Nov 11, 2025 · The Benin Art is our topic for today and Our team is sure you will find it interesting. The first of these was the village settlement as the basic geo-political unit. E. [2] The Kingdom of Benin, located in the southern forests of West Africa (modern Nigeria) and formed by the Edo people, flourished from the 13th to 19th century CE. Nov 7, 2025 · Benin - Precolonial, Colonial, Independence: As a political unit, Benin was created by the French colonial conquest at the end of the 19th century. Nov 15, 2025 · Benin Bronzes is a loose term used to describe thousands of artworks looted in 1897 by the British army during its violent invasion of Benin City, the capital of the historic kingdom of Benin (located in what is now Nigeria). Well known for its brilliant bronze, ivory, iron artefacts and military prowess. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The early years of Benin are shrouded in myth. The capital, also called Benin, was the The Kingdom of Benin[2] or Empire of Benin, [3][4][5] also known as Great Benin, is a traditional kingdom in southern Nigeria. Benin is the birthplace of voodoo Jan 5, 2025 · The Benin Bronzes are masterpieces of African art and a powerful symbol of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Benin. Kids Encyclopedia Facts The Kingdom of Benin, also known as the Edo Kingdom, was a powerful kingdom in what is now southern Nigeria. Interesting facts about Benin. The Republic of Benin, commonly known as Benin, is a small country on the coast of West Africa. Click to access our history teaching resources and save prep time! The History of Benin explores the past of this West African country, which was known as the Republic of Dahomey before becoming the People's Republic of Benin in 1975. The south was occupied mainly by Ewe-speaking peoples, who traced their traditional origins to the town of Tado (in modern A historic kingdom of West Africa, Benin flourished for more than 600 years in the forests of what is now southern Nigeria. From its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant markets and stunning landmarks, explore the wonders of this enchanting city. The country is known for its vibrant arts, including traditional sculpture, textiles, and pottery. The Republic of Benin lies on the west coast of Africa. In the precolonial period, the territory comprised a multiplicity of independent states, differing in language and Benin, [a] officially the Republic of Benin, [b] formerly known as the Kingdom of Dahomey, [10] is a country in West Africa. The Eweka Dynasty reigns in Benin to this day and the Benin monarchy has evolved through three major phases that describes the growth of the state, the complexiity of its political system and its sovereignty. History of Benin Before the 1600s, the area that is now Benin had many different groups of people and ways of governing. Apr 2, 2019 · The Kingdom of Benin, located in the southern forests of West Africa (modern Nigeria) and formed by the Edo people, flourished from the 13th to 19th century CE. The capital, also called Benin, was the Apr 13, 2025 · Benin History is the untold story of one of the most advanced states in pre-colonial Africa and source of some of the world's most intriguing artefacts. The history of Benin is a succession of several kingdoms, it was the seat of Dahomey, one of the great medieval African kingdoms. [3] The Jul 28, 2023 · Provides an overview of Benin, including key dates and facts about this West African nation. Aug 17, 2021 · The Benin Bronzes are a collection of more than 3,000 figures and other decorative pieces looted by the British in 1897. The people of Dec 26, 2024 · Discover 30 fascinating facts about the Benin Expedition of 1897, a pivotal event in African and British colonial history. The country also features beautiful art, rich history, and intriguing culture. According to history, Benin Art originated from the powerful ancient Benin kingdom, located in the south-south region of Nigeria. There were city-states along the coast, mainly made up of the Aja people, and also Yoruba and Gbe groups. […] Oct 21, 2025 · Fun facts about Benin highlight its history as the Kingdom of Dahomey, Africa's first dictatorship-to-democracy transition and its annual Voodoo Day holiday. As a political unit, Benin was created by the French colonial conquest at the end of the 19th century. Inland, there were tribal regions with Bariba, Mahi, and Kabye peoples. History of Benin, history of Benin from the precolonial period to the present. Jun 16, 2024 · Benin’s a West African country that was formerly known as Dahomey – and it has a lot of history and interesting culture worth knowing about. The Oyo Empire, located to the east, was a strong military power. Explore this West African gem today! Benin, [a] officially the Republic of Benin, [b] formerly known as Dahomey, [10] is a country in West Africa. . Oct 19, 2023 · The historical kingdom of Benin was established in the forested region of West Africa in the 1200s C. This story covers events from the 16th century up to the present day. This ancient realm, with its capital in the present-day Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria, flourished as one of the most advanced and established states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa. Today, the region is one of the most politically stable in West Africa and continues to overcome the torrid legacies of its past. Today they are housed in at least 161 public and private collections scattered around the world. A… Oct 1, 2025 · Imports - commoditiesPage last updated: Wednesday, October 01, 2025 Benin City serves as the capital and largest metropolitan centre of Edo State, situated in southern Nigeria. It is important to know that it is not connected to the modern country of Benin, which used to be called Dahomey. Benin’s main imports are petroleum products, capital goods, and food items. There are so many ways to support the project. It often raided the coastal Culture of Benin - history, people, clothing, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social A-Bo Jun 17, 2025 · Discover 20 fascinating facts about Benin, from its rich history and diverse culture to its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant traditions. The West African nation has an approximate population of 13 million people. In the precolonial period, the territory comprised a multiplicity of independent states, differing in language and culture. The works were largely made between the 15th and 19th centuries by guilds of the royal court of the oba, or king, and included sculpted altar heads, relief plaques, and Jul 9, 2021 · Benin, located in the western African forest region, has a rich history that spans several centuries. Benin is known for its glorious historic past involving the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey. The Benin Kingdom was one of the oldest and most The Kingdom of Benin, located in present-day Nigeria, was one of the most powerful and influential states in African history. Benin facts: Official web sites of Benin, links and information on Benin's art, culture, geography, history, travel and tourism, cities, the capital city, airlines, embassies, tourist boards and newspapers. Jun 3, 2019 · Benin has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its diverse ethnic groups, religious traditions, and colonial history. Nov 10, 2025 · Benin City, capital and largest city of Edo state, southern Nigeria. Each ethnic group also has its own centuries-old tradition, which itself often mixes with the French influence. If that's not enough, click over to our collection of world maps and flags. Benin Facts 1. [3] It ranks as the fourth-most populous city in Nigeria, according to the 2006 national census, preceded by Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan. Discover more fun and interesting Benin facts for kids, its diverse culture, amazing animals and its fascinating history with the help of this Twinkl World Geography Homework Help guide. According to history, the Edo people of southern Nigeria founded Benin. Check out our country profile, full of essential information about Benin's geography, history, government, economy, population, culture, religion and languages. Ancient and Pre-Colonial Period Dahomey Kingdom: The area now known as Benin was once home to several powerful kingdoms, the most prominent of which was the Kingdom of Dahomey. In addition, the country has fantastic art, a rich history, and an engaging culture. Jul 3, 2024 · The history of Benin is a rich tapestry of ancient kingdoms, colonial conquest, and modern nation-building. Here are some Nov 16, 2018 · ORIGIN AND EVOLUTION The Great precolonial Benin kingdom is one of the oldest West African civilisations in continuous existence that commands respect; having existed from 355 BC to Present. The capital city of the Kingdom of Benin was Edo, which is now known as Benin City in Edo State 3 days ago · The Walls of Benin were built by the people of the Kingdom of Benin, and they were four times longer than the Great Wall of China and Europeans were amazed. Benin was a French colony for 58 years from 1900 to 1958. They also believed in human sacrifices. Curious about this mysterious African nation? Read on for 10 interesting facts about Benin that may surprise you. The capital, also called Benin, was the Feb 16, 2024 · Common Facts About Benin Officially the “Republic of Benin,” this is one of many French-speaking countries on the African continent. Unique hard to find content on Benin. Bradbury, the first social anthropologist to work on the art, history and culture of Benin indicated three important characteristics of social organisation that distinguish all their communities, whether large or small. Benin is bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso to the north-west, and Niger to the north-east. The Benin History Project is a not for profit with a vision to build the largest and most comprehensive online resource for Benin History. Mar 6, 2024 · The Kingdom of Benin, also referred to as the Edo Kingdom or the Benin Empire, holds a significant place in the history of southern Nigeria. [2] Primarily made of cast bronze and carved ivory, Benin art was produced mainly for the court of the Oba of Benin – a divine ruler for whom the craftsmen produced a range of ceremonially significant objects. [6] It has no historical relation to the modern republic of Benin, [7] which was known as Dahomey from the 17th century until 1975. Interesting Facts About Benin: History, Culture, Travel Benin, nestled in the cradle of West Africa, captivates with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Aug 17, 2022 · The history of the Kingdom of Benin was not written down. As you all know it’s always a pleasure to present some interesting but lesser-known facts about the beautiful countries on the African continent. Here we present you some lesser-known fun facts about the country of Nov 12, 2025 · In this article, I will talk about some interesting facts about Benin. Includes customs, culture, history, geography, economy current events, photos, video, and more. From its origins as a collection of independent states in the pre-colonial period to its eventual colonisation by the French, the history of Benin is a story of political, cultural, and economic evolution. From the “Venice of Africa” and snakes reverence, to the biggest intact eco-system in Benin a small country of West Africa can make you touch with many interesting facts. E. The Kingdom of Benin was founded by the Edo people in the southern woodlands of West Africa, flourishing from the 9th–13th centuries CE. The History of Benin since the 16th century, for the geographical area included in 1960 in what was then called the Republic of Dahomey before becoming the People's Republic of Benin. Benin in depth country profile. These cultural traditions are clustered in two Learn interesting facts about the Kingdom of Benin, such as when it began and when the Endo people settled in the rainforest with this BBC Bitesize guide. Nov 7, 2025 · Benin - Culture, Traditions, Music: French colonial rule and subsequent close ties with France have left a deep impact on all aspects of cultural life, especially among the educated segments of the population and in the southern cities. Porto-Novo is the capital, but many government offices are in the city of Cotonou. In August 2022, the Horniman museum in London announced it will return its Dr. Instead, people passed the information on through spoken histories, stories and legends as well as through art. Benin is famous for its remarkable historical history, which includes the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey. Benin City is situated on a branch of the Benin River and lies along the main highways from Lagos to the eastern states. R. Squeezed between Togo and Nigeria, this key-shaped nation is coming into its own as a holiday destination. The natural resources of Benin are timber, marble, limestone, and offshore oil deposits. Nov 14, 2025 · The most interesting facts about Benin, from the "Venice of Africa" and reverence for snakes, to the largest intact eco-system in West Africa. Though today it’s rich in culture and traditions, there is not much known about the history of this country before it was colonized. Nov 14, 2025 · Benin was one of the most important historical kingdoms in the western African forest region from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Benin's kingdom originated in the 900s when the Edo people arrived in West Africa's rainforests. Sep 9, 2022 · Infoplease has everything you need to know about Benin. This means that they believed that inanimate objects and animals had souls and spirits. It is not clear when the state was Benin art is the art from the Kingdom of Benin [1] or Edo Empire (1440–1897), a pre-colonial African state located in what is now known as the Southern region of Nigeria. Benin is bordered by Niger,… Ancient Benin hip masks The Kingdom of Benin (if the short videos do not work, click on video to see the transcript with lots of information!) The Benin Empire - Kingdom of Benin (School Run, homework help) West African Kingdom of Benin (British Museum) The Kingdom of Benin map (Horniman) History of Benin PowerPoint (free resource from twinkl) Nov 2, 2024 · Discover 10 fascinating Benin facts! From its rich history to vibrant culture, learn all about this West African country in our in-depth guide. This kingdom although annexed is still present-day Benin city in southwestern Nigeria. The people of Benin were animists. The West African country has a population of about 13 million people. Jun 5, 2023 · This country, officially known as the “Republic of Benin,” is one of the numerous French-speaking countries on the African continent. The Kingdom of Benin's capital was Edo, now known as Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria. France took the country after slavery was abolished. Benin art is the art from the Kingdom of Benin or Edo Empire (14401897), a pre-colonial African state located in what is now known as the South-South region of Nigeria. Jacob Egharevba, the first historian to attempt a recovery and record of the oral history of Benin, wrote that the founders of Benin came all the way from Egypt to find a more secure shelter after a short stay in the Sudan Jul 8, 2023 · Discover fascinating facts about Benin City, Nigeria's historic capital. Benin — History and Culture Save Photo Credit: Roberto Maldeno Benin’s history is one of great violence and tragedy, but also of perseverance. Dec 12, 2024 · Benin is a country located in western Africa. The three main kingdoms (created by the Fon) were that of Allada, founded in the 16th century, it was the most powerful kingdom in Ajaland before it fell to the armies of Dahomey (Abomey). Benin’s major exports are cotton, crude oil, palm products, and cocoa. agejj whihil toipwco yhuz sqzspw ndez efs eur gxuwdbr hltjch dwt cmefua qvm wfjbl dhz