3.2 Achievements of individual Obas Flashcards
What three palace positions did Eware create?
eghaevo n’ore
eghaevo n’ogbe
uzama
When id Eware come to the throne
c.1440
Who was Eware’s father?
Oba Orobiru
Who was Eware’s brother?
Uwaifaikon
What was the story of Eware’s rise to power?
Eware’s brother claimed the throne for himself while Eware was away. Eware came back, murdered his brother and became king.
(low importance) Why was the capital city called Edo?
The slave that helped Eware get the throne back was called Edo.
To what did Eware change the name of his people?
The ‘Ubinu’
(analysis) Why did Eware change the name of his people?
To distinguish his Empire from that of his overthrown and despised brother.
(context) Eware’s major achievements in Benin.
- Expanded roads
- Strengthened political structures
- Established the three associations of palace chiefs.
- Created annual cycle of royal rituals.
How did Eware change who got government jobs?
He removed hereditary titles and appointed freemen as administrative chiefs.
What did the eghaevo n’ore and eghaevo n’ogbe do?
Civil servant: tax, law, civil disputes etc.
What were the eghaevo n’ore?
Chiefs of the major towns
What were the eghaevo n’ogbe?
Palace chiefs
What were the uzama?
The six hereditary chiefs who installed the each new oba.
What title did Eware create for his eldest son?
Edaiken
Who did Ewuare defeat in the east?
He extended east into the Igbo and Ijo territories.
What territories did Ewuare capture in the west?
Extended into the Lagos Lagoon.
How many villages did Ewuare capture in the west?
201 towns and villages
When in Ewuare’s reign did the Portuguese arrive?
Late in his reign
What reputation of Ewuare strengthened his position?
He had a reputation as a magician and warrior.
What ritually significant objects did Ewuare recieve?
The coral and red flannel cloth dress.
What art did Ewuare have commissioned over his reign?
Brass cast heads of the royal family past and present.
When Eware’s sons killed each other, what sanctions did he put on the country?
He forbade anyone from dressing up or having sex for three years. Prohibited bathing, dance and celebration.
What was the name of the markings Ewuare put on his people?
iwu
