Table of Contents
What country Benin before?
Dahomey
During French colonial rule and after independence, the country was named Dahomey, after the Kingdom of Dahomey. On 30 November 1975, the country was renamed Benin following a Marxist-Leninist military coup.
What country took over Benin?
A desire for control over West African trade and territory ultimately led to a British invasion of Benin in 1897. Benin City was burned by the British, who then made the kingdom part of British Nigeria (which became Nigeria after the country gained independence in 1960).
Where do Benin people originate from?
The Edo or Benin people are an Edoid ethnic group primarily found in Edo State, Southern part of Nigeria. They speak the Edo language and are the descendants of Igodomigodo, which evolved to become the Benin Empire.
What is the Benin Empire called now?
The Kingdom of Benin’s capital was Edo, now known as Benin City in Edo state, Nigeria. The Benin Kingdom was “one of the oldest and most developed states in the coastal hinterland of West Africa”.
Why did the Benin Empire fall?
The Benin kingdom fell mainly because, in an age when the traders and the British consular officials had reasons impelling them to penetrate into the hinterland, Oba Ovonramwen was clinging to traditional policies of economic exclusiveness and monopolistic practices which inflicted economic losses on the revenues of …
Was Benin a British colony?
Benin belonged to the British Empire until 1960. Then it became part of the independent country of Nigeria.
Why did the British invade Benin?
In the 19th century, disputes over trade led to strain between Benin and its chief trading partner, Great Britain. In quick order, a large British military force—deemed the Punitive Expedition—was assembled, and on February 18, they arrived in Benin City under orders to invade and conquer it.
What was Benin called before?
Benin, officially Republic of Benin, French République du Bénin, formerly (until 1975) Dahomey or (1975–90) People’s Republic of Benin, country of western Africa.
Who destroyed the Benin Empire?
British
Benin Expedition of 1897
| Benin Sacking of 1897 | |
|---|---|
| Part of the Scramble for Africa | |
| Date 9–18 February 1897 Location Benin City, Benin Empire Result British victory | |
| Belligerents | |
| British Empire Niger Coast Protectorate | Benin Empire |
Why did the British burn Benin?
The British used one of their favorite tactics to burn the city to the ground: deception – they claimed that the Omo n’Oba Ovonramwen had breached a treaty (they wanted to annex Benin Kingdom as a British protectorate, and the Oba refused to sign). The operation was named ‘Benin Punitive Expedition.
Why did the British sack Benin?
To prevent the British party from interfering with annual royal rituals, some chiefs, acting against Oba Ovonramwen’s wishes, ordered the expedition attacked. Six British officials and almost 200 African porters were killed. Britain responded immediately, mounting a so-called punitive expedition to capture Benin.
What was the Kingdom of Benin famous for?
The kingdom of Benin, in West Africa , was at the height of its power in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was famous for casting beautiful bronze and brass statues. Most of its bronzes were for ceremonial use.
What is the history of Benin?
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 hub of a trade network exclusively controlled by the king or oba and which included relations with Portuguese traders who sought gold and slaves.
Why was the Benin Empire important?
The Benin Empire made great achievements in science, administration, technology, architecture, astronomy and town-planning, but it is most famous for its amazing artworks. The period from 900-1200 AD (or CE) saw the Edo people lay the foundations for what would become the African kingdom of Benin in an area located…
What was ancient Benin religion?
Among the most practiced African Traditional Religions in Benin is the Vodun system of belief which originated in this area of Africa. [3] Other African Traditional Religions are practiced in the Atakora (Atakora and Donga provinces) and Vodun and Orisha or Orisa veneration among the Yoruba and Tado peoples is prevalent in the center and south of the country.