The Benin Kingdom

The Kingdom of Benin was located in what is now southern Nigeria in West Africa. It lasted from about the 1100s to the late 1800s. The kingdom was famous for its skilled artists who made beautiful bronze sculptures. Benin was one of the most organized kingdoms in Africa.

A Well-Run Kingdom

The king of Benin was called the Oba. He ruled with the help of chiefs and advisors. The capital city had wide streets and tall walls. Visitors from Europe were amazed by how clean and organized the city was. The kingdom traded pepper, ivory, and palm oil with other lands.

The Benin Bronzes

Artists in Benin created stunning sculptures from bronze, brass, and ivory. These artworks showed kings, warriors, and animals. They were placed on the walls of the royal palace. When the British invaded in 1897, they took thousands of these treasures. Many are now being returned to Nigeria.

Fun Facts

• The walls of Benin City were once one of the longest structures in the world.
• Benin artists used a technique called lost-wax casting to create their famous bronzes.
• A Dutch visitor in the 1600s compared Benin City's size to the city of Amsterdam.

Did You Know?

The Kingdom of Benin is not the same as the modern country called Benin, which is a different place in West Africa.