3.5 The importance of the military Flashcards
What was the role of the oba in the military of the Kingdom of Benin?
Supreme Military Commander
The oba held the highest military authority and was responsible for the overall military strategy and campaigns.
Who was the iyase and what was his significance?
General Commander of the combined armies
The iyase was next in command to the oba and oversaw defense matters and state security.
Which titles were part of the army high command in Benin?
- Oba
- Iyase
- Ezomo
- Edogun
These titles represented different levels of military leadership and responsibilities.
What were the royal troops called in the Benin military?
Ekaiwe
The Ekaiwe were the royal troops under the command of the edogun.
What was the significance of firearms in Benin’s military expansion?
Debated by historians; limited evidence of their importance
Some argue firearms were crucial, while others suggest their role was minimal.
Fill in the blank: The first use of firearms in Benin is attributed to the reign of _______.
Esigie
True or False: The Kingdom of Benin had a standing army.
False
The army was mobilized for war and was not a permanent standing force.
What were the main types of weapons used by Benin warriors?
- Bows and poisoned arrows
- Spears
- Swords
- Assegais
- Crossbows
Iron smelting allowed for a variety of effective weapons.
What military strategy was employed during wars in the C15 and C16?
Series of sieges and pitched battles
Successful campaigns often involved both siege tactics and direct confrontations.
What led to the decline of the oba’s authority during the C17 and C18?
Conflicts with chiefs and loss of military command
The obas were overshadowed by the rising power of the chiefs.
What was the impact of civil wars on the Kingdom of Benin’s military power?
Fluctuations in military power and internal conflicts
Civil wars weakened the monarchy and its control over military forces.
Fill in the blank: The royal guards in the Benin military were called _______.
Isienmwenro
What was the purpose of the moat and walls around Edo?
Defense and control of access roads
These fortifications served to protect the city and manage trade.
Who was responsible for leading the Agbor rebellion suppression?
Ezomo Ehennua
The ezomo commanded Benin warriors during this significant military action.
What was the relationship between the oba and the iyase during Ehengbuda’s reign?
Conflict and power reassessment
The iyase’s power was curtailed to prevent him from enhancing his position through military successes.
True or False: The oba maintained control over military operations throughout the C17 and C18.
False
The obas lost their military command to the chiefs during this period.
What were the major wars of political significance in the C18?
- Agbor
- Ubulu-Uku
- Ugo
These wars were crucial in shaping the political landscape of the Kingdom.
How did the introduction of European trade affect the power dynamics in Benin?
Shift in focus to economic resources and trade control
Competition for trade shifted power from the oba to the chiefs.
What was the impact of Portuguese traders on Benin’s military technology?
Limited introduction of firearms and military equipment
Portuguese restrictions affected the availability of arms to non-Christians.
