3.0 The rise of Benin Flashcards
What was the main port of Benin?
Gwaton (Ughoton)
Gwaton was crucial for trade and access to the coastal regions.
What is the capital of the Kingdom of Benin?
Edo (Benin City)
Edo was a prosperous center of trade and administration.
What is the significance of the title ‘Oba’?
King
The Oba was the central authority in the Kingdom of Benin.
Who was the chief deity of the Edo people?
Uzama
Uzama was regarded as the god of waters and prosperity.
What was the role of the ‘Olukun’?
Commander of the metropolitan army in Edo
The Olukun was key in managing military affairs.
What does ‘Ibiwe’ refer to?
Councillors of State / Kingmakers
They played a crucial role in advising the Oba.
Fill in the blank: The main ethnic group of Benin is _______.
Edo
The Edo people formed the core of the Kingdom of Benin.
Who was Oba Ewuare?
Oba Ewuare (c.1440–c.1473) was a significant ruler who expanded Benin’s territory and administration.
He is known for strengthening the kingdom’s military and administrative structures.
What major trade relationship did Benin establish by the late 15th century?
Trading relationship with the Portuguese
The Portuguese established a trading post at Gwaton around 1490.
What was the attitude of the Obas towards the slave trade?
Obas barred the sale of male slaves
This decision impacted Benin’s trading power as the Atlantic slave trade became more prominent.
How did the geography of Benin contribute to its rise?
Fertile land, access to coastal ports, control of riverine territories
These factors facilitated trade and agricultural production.
What was the role of Prince Oranmiyan in Benin’s history?
He was sent by Ife-Ife to restore order and became Oba Eweka I
Oranmiyan’s arrival marked a significant turning point in Benin’s governance.
What does the term ‘Iyekowa’ refer to in relation to the Edo people?
The riverine territories considered the backyard of Benin land
Control of these territories was crucial for trade and revenue.
True or False: Benin’s capital city was known for its disorder and lack of cleanliness.
False
Edo was noted for its orderliness, cleanliness, and impressive layout.
List three products that Benin was known for producing.
- Beni pepper
- Woven cloth
- Palm oil
These products were significant for trade.
Who was the last ogiso of Benin, and what led to his banishment?
Owodo; he was banished for executing a pregnant woman
His actions resulted in a leadership crisis in Benin.
What was the significance of the ‘Ague festival’?
Festival of purification and self-denial
This festival reflected cultural and spiritual beliefs in Benin.
What role did Oba Ozolua play in Benin’s interactions with the Portuguese?
He welcomed a Portuguese emissary and established meaningful connections
His reign marked the beginning of significant European engagement.
Explain the significance of the term ‘Igun-eronmwon’.
Ruler
This term underscores the leadership structure in Benin.
What was a key factor in Benin’s decline during the 17th century?
Lack of involvement in the Atlantic slave trade
This weakened Benin compared to neighboring kingdoms.
What was the function of the ‘Bale-Kale’?
Village head
The Bale-Kale played a significant role in local governance.
Who was Oba Esigie and how did he contribute to Benin’s rise?
Oba Esigie (1504-1550) continued diplomatic relations with Portugal and sent ambassadors
His reign marked continued engagement with European powers.
What was the significance of Oba Esigie in the rise of Benin?
Oba Esigie played a crucial role in enhancing Benin’s international relations, particularly with Portugal, and in expanding Benin’s territory.
His reign was marked by diplomatic missions and military successes.
What did Oba Esigie promise in exchange for Portuguese support?
He promised to convert to Christianity and allow easy terms of trade.
This included accommodating Portuguese desires for slave trade.
What types of goods were traded between the Portuguese and Benin?
Trade included coral beads, cloths for ceremonial attire, brass manilas, pepper, tobacco, spices, colanuts, ivory, earthenware, jewellery, and woven cotton materials.
Edo craftsmen melted brass manilas for casting.
True or False: Oba Esigie’s son was the first accredited African envoy to the Portuguese court.
True
This marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations between Benin and Portugal.
Fill in the blank: The first guns came into Benin through _______.
Gwaton
Gwaton was a key trading point for arms and iron bars.
What was the main demand from Portuguese traders over time?
Enslaved persons became the main demand.
This shift indicated a significant change in the nature of trade.
What were the major items traded on the route between Benin and European traders?
Woven cloth and manila currency.
These were crucial for Edo’s economic buoyancy.
How did the Edo govern the trading process with Europeans?
They had a structured approach involving messengers, palace officials, and fixed trade prices over time.
This system ensured both parties were satisfied before trade discussions.
What was the attitude of the obas towards trade with Europeans?
The obas were wary and rarely seen by Europeans.
This caution stemmed from a belief in omens predicting danger.
What event in 1897 marked a significant change in the Kingdom of Benin?
The kingdom was conquered by the British.
This event ended centuries of independence and power for Benin.
What were the three Catholic churches built in Edo before 1500 indicative of?
They indicated early Christian missionary efforts in the region.
However, true conversion was difficult due to the existing spiritual power of Ife-Ife.
