Benin City history

Benin City, situated in the south of modern-day Nigeria, is a city with deep historical roots that served as the centre of the powerful Kingdom of Benin for centuries. Its history is a narrative of power, art, and trade, leaving a significant mark on the culture of West Africa.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded, according to various estimates, in the 10th-11th centuries and was originally known as Igodomigodo. Later, around the 13th century, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Benin, which flourished until the end of the 19th century. The early history of the city is closely tied to the dynasties of rulers who held the title of Oba, who transformed it into a significant political and cultural hub. In European sources, the city became widely known after the arrival of Portuguese navigators in the late 15th century, who established trade relations with the kingdom.

Key Factors of Development

The prosperity of Benin City was driven by several key factors:

• Political Power: The city was the capital of a centralised and well-organised state. The power of the Oba was not only political but also spiritual, ensuring stability and unity.
• Trade: From the 16th to the 17th century, the city became a major trade hub. Initially, the main exports were pepper and ivory, and later, palm oil. Trade connections with Europeans contributed to the enrichment of the kingdom.
• Strategic Location: The city's location at the crossroads of trade routes in southern Nigeria provided it with control over regional commerce.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Early Benin City was renowned not only for its wealth but also for its unique culture. The city was famous for its skilled artisans who created the celebrated "Benin Bronzes" — highly artistic items made of brass and bronze depicting rulers, courtiers, and scenes from life. These works of art served not only as decorations for the Oba's palace but also as a form of historical chronicle and a tool of diplomacy. The economy was based on agriculture, crafts, and active trade, making the city one of the most developed and prosperous in West Africa at that time.

Key Milestones in the History of Benin City

The history of Benin City is the chronicle of a powerful African kingdom, its rise, tragic fall, and modern revival. The city, which was a centre of art and power for centuries, has gone through many trials, leaving a deep imprint on world history.

• 10th Century — Foundation of the city by the Edo people, originally known as Igodomigodo.
• 13th Century — The city becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Benin, and its rulers adopt the title Oba.
• Around 1440 — Beginning of the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great, who significantly expanded the kingdom's territory and rebuilt the capital, surrounding it with massive walls and moats.
• 1485 — Arrival of Portuguese navigators, marking the beginning of trade and diplomatic relations with Europeans.
• 16th–17th Centuries — The "Golden Age" of the Benin Kingdom, a period of peak prosperity in trade (including pepper, ivory, and later the slave trade) and art, especially in the creation of the famous Benin Bronzes.
• 18th Century — Beginning of the gradual decline of the kingdom, caused by internal dynastic disputes and civil wars.
• February 1897 — A British punitive expedition under the command of Admiral Harry Rawson captures and burns Benin City. The city was looted, and thousands of unique works of art, including bronze and brass items, were taken to Europe.
• End of 1897 — The territory of the Benin Kingdom is included in the British Niger Coast Protectorate.
• 1914 — After the death of the exiled Oba Ovonramwen, British authorities partially restore the monarchy, allowing his son to ascend the throne, but with limited powers.
• 1960 — Nigeria gains independence, and Benin City becomes part of the new state.
• 1963 — The city becomes the capital of the newly formed Mid-Western Region of Nigeria (later renamed Edo State).
• 1967 — During the Nigerian Civil War, the city was briefly captured by Biafran forces and proclaimed the capital of the self-declared Republic of Benin.
• 1975 — Foundation of the University of Benin, cementing the city's status as an important educational centre in Nigeria.

Benin City, the capital of a powerful medieval kingdom, has a rich history full of periods of prosperity, tragic events, and modern resurgence. Key stages of the city's development have defined its cultural and economic character.

Major Milestones in the History of Benin City:

• Foundation and Establishment as Capital (10th–13th Centuries). The city was founded by the Edo people around the 10th century. By the 13th century, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Benin, one of the oldest and most developed states in West Africa. During this period, the foundation of the centralised power of rulers bearing the title "Oba" was laid.
• Construction of the Great Walls of Benin (7th to 15th Centuries). Over several centuries, a massive system of earthworks and moats was constructed around the city. These fortifications, the total length of which was among the greatest in the world, performed defensive, administrative, and economic functions, highlighting the power and organisation of the kingdom.
• "Golden Age" and Flourishing of Art (14th–17th Centuries). This period, especially during the reign of Oba Ewuare the Great in the 15th century, was a time of peak prosperity. The city became famous for the creation of the renowned "Benin Bronzes" — thousands of skilfully cast brass and bronze sculptures and plaques that adorned the Oba's palace and served as a historical chronicle.
• Trade with Europeans (Late 15th–17th Centuries). After the arrival of the Portuguese in 1485, the city became an important centre for trade with Europe. Initially, pepper, ivory, and palm products were exported. This trade contributed to the significant enrichment of the kingdom.
• British Punitive Expedition (1897). In February 1897, British troops captured, looted, and burned Benin City. This event marked the end of the independence of the Kingdom of Benin. Thousands of works of art were taken to Europe, causing irreparable damage to the city's cultural heritage. The territory was incorporated into the British colony of Nigeria.
• Development in the 20th Century. After Nigeria gained independence, the city began to restore its significance. It became a centre for the rubber industry, palm oil production, and wood processing.
• Educational and Cultural Centre. Modern Benin City is home to several universities, including the University of Benin, making it a vital educational hub for the region. The city continues to be a centre for traditional crafts, such as wood and ivory carving.

The architectural appearance of Benin City reflects its rich and complex history, from pre-colonial grandeur to modern realities. Several key architectural eras can be distinguished in the city, each leaving its unique mark.

Pre-colonial Period: Urban Planning and Traditional Architecture

In the era of its prosperity (13th-19th centuries), Benin City was one of the most developed and well-planned cities in West Africa. Its urban structure amazed European travellers.

• Walls of Benin: The most grandiose architectural achievement was the famous Walls of Benin — a complex system of earthworks and moats surrounding the city and its environs. According to some estimates, their total length spanned thousands of kilometres, making them one of the largest man-made structures in history. These fortifications served not only for defence but also to mark boundaries and control trade.
• Layout and Construction: The city had a thoughtful layout with long straight streets radiating from the centre. The primary building material was red clay (laterite). Buildings were rectangular in shape, and walls were often polished to a shine. The central place in the city was occupied by the Oba's Palace — a vast complex of courtyards, galleries, and living quarters, which was the administrative and spiritual heart of the kingdom. Its wooden columns were adorned with the famous bronze plaques depicting historical events.

Colonial and Post-colonial Periods

The British punitive expedition of 1897 almost completely destroyed the old city, including most of the palace and walls. This event caused a tragic break in the architectural history of Benin City.

• Colonial Influence: After the destruction of the city, buildings in the colonial style began to appear, utilising new materials such as brick and corrugated iron for roofs. The new Oba's Palace was rebuilt in the early 20th century, but in an altered form.
• Modern Architecture: After Nigeria gained independence, Benin City, as the capital of Edo State, began to develop as a modern administrative and educational centre. Today, its architectural landscape represents an eclectic mix: here one can see modern administrative buildings made of concrete and glass, university campuses, and commercial structures, standing alongside traditional residential compounds and restored historical sites, such as the ruler's palace and various shrines.

Notable Figures Associated with Benin City

Benin City, the historic heart of a powerful kingdom, has given the world many outstanding rulers, politicians, and figures of culture and art. These individuals have left a deep imprint not only on the history of Nigeria but also beyond its borders.

• Oba Ewuare the Great — Ruler, 15th century. Considered one of the greatest monarchs in the history of Benin. He carried out massive reforms, transformed Benin into an empire by expanding its borders, and rebuilt the capital. It was under him that the famous Walls of Benin were erected.
• Oba Ovonramwen Nogbaisi — Ruler, late 19th century. The last independent Oba of the Kingdom of Benin before British colonisation. His reign ended with the tragic punitive expedition of 1897, during which the city was looted, and the monarch himself was sent into exile. His figure became a symbol of resistance to colonialism.
• Samuel Ogbemudia — Military and political leader, 20th century. As the military governor of the state, he made a huge contribution to the development of Benin City and the entire region. His administration is known for founding the University of Benin, the stadium (bearing his name), and implementing numerous infrastructure projects.
• Sir Victor Uwaifo — Musician and artist, 20th-21st centuries. A legendary musician, composer, inventor of musical instruments, and sculptor. He was the first in Africa to receive a gold record for his hit "Joromi". Uwaifo, born in Benin City, was a brilliant representative of the Highlife genre and a cultural icon of Nigeria.
• Festus Iyayi — Writer and activist, 20th-21st centuries. A renowned Nigerian writer whose works are dedicated to the social and political problems of the country. He was a lecturer at the University of Benin and an active participant in the trade union movement. In 1988, Iyayi became a laureate of the prestigious Commonwealth Writers Prize.
• Rema — Musician, 21st century. Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, is one of the brightest representatives of the new generation of Nigerian musicians who has gained worldwide fame. Born in Benin City, he became a global Afrobeats star thanks to his hit "Calm Down". His success symbolises the modern cultural influence of the city.