6 interesting facts about Benin Kingdom, The great kings, warriors, artefacts, church and more (With Photos)

Benin Kingdom is truly a great one! The kingdom which is believed to be over 2000 years old is known to be one of the most powerful and richest in the history of Nigeria and Africa in general. The great kingdom of Benin has been described as the primary birth of Nigeria's development, with great reasons too.

Benin was a pre-colonial kingdom in what is now southern Nigeria. Its capital was Edo, now known as Benin City in Edo state. Benin which is often confused with the modern-day Republic of Benin, is one of the oldest and most highly developed areas in Nigeria. Here are some interesting facts about the ancient kingdom that proves how much of a great kingdom it really is: 1) The Oldest Church in West-Africa It was established in Great Benin Empire by the Earliest Portuguese missionaries in the 16th Century which is today known as the Holy Aruosa (Benin National Church). Pope Pius XII visited Benin and handed the church to the Oba of Benin, Oba Oreoghene in 1692AD.

[caption id="attachment_249701" align="aligncenter" width="388"] Holy Arousa Cathedral, Benin Kingdom[/caption] The church, Holy Aruosa which means ‘Eye of God’ is a traditional worship house of the Binis where the people are said to have direct contact with God without going through any intermediary.

[caption id="attachment_249704" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The Oldest Church in West-Africa[/caption] 2) Oba Orhogbua founded Lagos and planted a dukedom, the Obaship of Lagos. [caption id="attachment_249703" align="aligncenter" width="291"] Oba Orhogbua, Benin Kingdom[/caption] His reign was marked with the expansion of the Empire westwards. He founded Eko and Badagry and established the monarchical rule in those places and placed his own representatives to rule them. He established the first Oba of Lagos.

3) Oba Ehengbuda was the last Oba of Benin to lead the Benin armies physically in battle. [caption id="attachment_249702" align="aligncenter" width="228"] Oba Ehengbuda the great Benin Kingdom[/caption] After his death in 1601, the Benin kingdom gradually shrunk in size. The boundary of Benin Empire and Oyo Empire was set at Otun Ekiti during his reign after many wars was fought between the two Empires.

4) The Benin people are the best bronze casters in the world. [caption id="attachment_249700" align="aligncenter" width="411"] Bronze casters, Benin Kingdom[/caption] This is believed to be one of the greatest defining characteristics of the historic Kingdom of Benin. Established in the 14th century by Oba Oguola, the tradition of the casting profession remains a very preserved tradition only practiced by the Igun clan of casters by the official approval of the Oba.

5) The Walls of Benin Kingdom. According to the 1974 edition of Guinness Book of Records, the walls of Benin City and its surrounding kingdom as the world’s largest earthworks carried out prior to the mechanical era.

[caption id="attachment_249705" align="aligncenter" width="358"] Walls of Benin City[/caption]

6) War in Benin Kingdom The King of Benin can in a single day make 20,000 men ready for war and more, if need be. This is due to the fact that he has great influences among all the surrounding peoples. His authority stretches over many cities, towns and villages.

[caption id="attachment_249706" align="aligncenter" width="411"] Benin Kingdom environment[/caption] Top 3 Most Viewed Today If the guy you love has these traits, do not leave him, I repeat, DON’T! Meet Mercy Johnson’s brothers and sisters – Childhood, parents, family history, twin sister rumour and much more The current 10 richest Igbo men in Nigeria – These guys are the movers and shakers of Nigeria (Photos)

5) The Walls of Benin Kingdom.

6) War in Benin Kingdom

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