What was the Benin Empire government like?

It was ruled by a series of kings, known as Ogisos, which means ‘rulers of the sky’. In the 1100s there were struggles for power and the Ogisos lost control of their kingdom. The Edo people feared that their country would fall into chaos, so they asked their neighbour, the King of Ife, for help.

Was Benin a monarchy?

The monarchy of Benin was hereditary; the eldest son was to become the new Oba. In order to validate the succession of the kingship, the eldest son had to bury his father and perform elaborate rituals. If the eldest son failed to complete these tasks, the eldest son might be disqualified from becoming king.

Who ruled the Benin Empire?

According to one traditional account, the original people and founders of the Benin Empire, the Bini (or Edo people), were initially ruled by the Ogisos (Kings of the Sky). The city of Ibinu (later called Benin City) was founded in 1180 C.E. About 36 known Ogiso are accounted for as rulers of the empire.

What is the Benin empire known for?

Artists of the Benin Kingdom were well known for working in many materials, particularly brass, wood, and ivory. They were famous for their bas-relief sculptures, particularly plaques, and life-size head sculptures. The plaques typically portrayed historical events, and the heads were often naturalistic and life size.

What position was held by the Oba of Benin quizlet?

The Oba was kept very busy with his duties as king. He held meetings with his officials and he led religious ceremonies.

What position was held by the Oba of Benin?

The Oba and his court He was the head of the kingdom as both political and spiritual leader. He led the council of chiefs who made decisions on matters such as war, trade, taxation and ceremonial events, and while the chiefs might be powerful and influential, the Oba held the overriding authority.

What religion was the Kingdom of Benin?

People believed that the Obas of Benin were the direct descendants of Osanobua, the creator god. The Obas were all worshipped as gods. Osun was the god of magic and medicine. People believed he controlled all the plants and creatures of the rainforest.

How did Benin gain independence?

In 1958, France granted autonomy to the Republic of Dahomey, and full independence on 1 August 1960, which is celebrated each year as Independence Day, a national holiday. The president who led the country to independence was Hubert Maga.

What religion was the kingdom of Benin?

Christianity is the most widely professed religion in Benin, with 48.5% of the nation’s total population being members of various Christian denominations. Consequently, it plays an important role in shaping the country’s social and cultural life.

What was the Oba in Benin quizlet?

Oba is a family who took over from the Ogiso to rule. Dynasty is a line of rulers, often from the same family. Moat is a deep ditch surrounding a castle/place. Ogiso is one family who ruled in Benin Kingdom.

Which African kingdom was first settled in the Stone Age?

The African kingdom of Axum (also Aksum) was located on the northern edge of the highland zone of the Red Sea coast, just above the horn of Africa. It was founded in the 1st century CE, flourished from the 3rd to 6th century CE, and then survived as a much smaller political entity into the 8th century CE.