Wando Achebe

Its interconnected earthworks were not just defensive structures, but also a statement of the kingdom's engineering brilliance and power.

So when European traders and explorers arrived, which is how we know what we know for the most part about Benin, they were astonished by what they saw. For instance, you had a Portuguese captain remarking that Benin city was larger than Lisbon and described its streets as seemingly endless.

So when European traders and explorers arrived, which is how we know what we know for the most part about Benin, they were astonished by what they saw. For instance, you had a Portuguese captain remarking that Benin city was larger than Lisbon and described its streets as seemingly endless.

So when European traders and explorers arrived, which is how we know what we know for the most part about Benin, they were astonished by what they saw. For instance, you had a Portuguese captain remarking that Benin city was larger than Lisbon and described its streets as seemingly endless.

And in return, European traders are offering firearms, textiles, and other goods.

And in return, European traders are offering firearms, textiles, and other goods.

And in return, European traders are offering firearms, textiles, and other goods.

During the late 15th and 16th century, the kingdom is actively participating in the slave trade. These are captives from all of its military campaigns. And sometimes it would be captives or these tributary states made offerings to Benin, right? In addition, the kingdom also enslaved individuals who were convicted of crimes.

During the late 15th and 16th century, the kingdom is actively participating in the slave trade. These are captives from all of its military campaigns. And sometimes it would be captives or these tributary states made offerings to Benin, right? In addition, the kingdom also enslaved individuals who were convicted of crimes.

During the late 15th and 16th century, the kingdom is actively participating in the slave trade. These are captives from all of its military campaigns. And sometimes it would be captives or these tributary states made offerings to Benin, right? In addition, the kingdom also enslaved individuals who were convicted of crimes.

These renowned artisans would melt these bracelets down to create these intricate bronze and brass sculptures and plaques.

These renowned artisans would melt these bracelets down to create these intricate bronze and brass sculptures and plaques.

These renowned artisans would melt these bracelets down to create these intricate bronze and brass sculptures and plaques.

And it's these so-called Benin bronzes that we're talking about today.

And it's these so-called Benin bronzes that we're talking about today.

And it's these so-called Benin bronzes that we're talking about today.

The royal palace was adorned with copper engravings and brass plaques that celebrated victories. They recorded Benin's achievements and reflected the kingdom's grandeur. So these engravings and plaques told stories.

The royal palace was adorned with copper engravings and brass plaques that celebrated victories. They recorded Benin's achievements and reflected the kingdom's grandeur. So these engravings and plaques told stories.

The royal palace was adorned with copper engravings and brass plaques that celebrated victories. They recorded Benin's achievements and reflected the kingdom's grandeur. So these engravings and plaques told stories.

The Oba, or king, wasn't just a political leader but held divine status, acting as a spiritual bridge between his people and the gods.