The Benin Empire

The Benin Empire was a pre-colonial empire situated in the western Africa country known as Nigeria in the forest region. Nigeria is located along the south west of Africa, surrounding countries are Niger, Benin, and Cameroon. This empire was located near the south west of Nigeria close to the coast. In summary the Benin Empire can be dated back to 1180-1897 C.E. the fall of the Empire is the result of the British Empire coming in and burning down the empire after the King of the empire grew suspicious of the British forces intentions. The people of the Benin Empire were the Edo Peoples who spoke Edo. They called the land they lived on Igdodomigolo. The Edo peoples followed an indigenous belief system that has one higher power and many deities …show more content…
They also respected their elders and always showing respect to their ancestors by sacrifices of animals and foods. There was a lot of festivals made in the representations of the gods and goddess. When it came to governance, the empire was ruled by kings who had selecated advisors from different professions to ensure that all laws would benefit all of the people. There weren’t many written texts, the people’s main form of communication was traditions of passing information through dialogue. Art was one of the most unique aspects of the Benin culture during the time of the Empire. They had complex wood, brass, iron, wool and ivory cravings, and the artistic ability to create meaningful items through ivory, iron, brass and wood that could be used for everyday use or for special occasions. When it came to having outsides come into the empire there was none allowed if trading was needed they would have to go to a certain trading …show more content…
The source types is a scholarly journal. Benin Empire which is located in Western Africa in the country was now known as Nigerian near the south-west. The establishments of iron technology which was the basis on their ability to make art. The great art was of the Benin Empire. The upcoming of the pre-colonial empire and how there was already a warrior kingdom by the 15th century. The Portuguese explorers came about the Benin Empire. During the golden age which is the 15th to 16th century the kingdom. The reason this secondary source was chosen is because it gave same background information and explored the relationship the Benin Empire had with iron. This contributes to the understanding because it gives the background information to about Benin