LibGuides: G8: Precolonial Africa: Benin

General Information

The Kingdom of Benin: 1,660 Years from 355 AD to Present
The Great precolonial Benin kingdom is one of the oldest West African civilisations in continuous existence
The Ancient Walls of Benin: 16,000 Kilometres (800AD-14th Century)
When the Europeans first arrived at the Benin kingdom in the late 15th Century, they were astonished by the wealth, quality of life and the organization.
Kingdom of Benin
The Kingdom of Benin was led by a series of rulers known as Obas, who were very powerful and believed to be descended from the gods.