Kingdom of Benin Writing Exercises |
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| Student Handouts > World History > African Civilizations > African Civilizations: Worksheets |
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| Writing Exercises on the Kingdom of Benin: Answer each of the following questions using complete sentences. 1 Describe the role of obas in Benin society. 2 How did traditional art, such as Benin bronzes, reflect the beliefs of the Benin kingdom? 3 What was the attitude toward slavery held by the Benin kingdom? Click here to print. Answers will vary. |
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The Benin Kingdom, located in what is now southern Nigeria, had a complex and evolving attitude toward slavery over the centuries of its existence. Slavery in Benin was not a monolithic institution, and the kingdom's approach to slavery changed over time.
Early Benin Kingdom: In its early history, the Benin Kingdom practiced a form of servitude and bondage that resembled slavery, but it was not necessarily hereditary. People could become enslaved through various means, such as as punishment for crimes or as captives in warfare. These early practices were more akin to indentured servitude. Evolution of Slavery: Over time, as the kingdom expanded and encountered European colonial powers, the nature of slavery in Benin changed. The Atlantic slave trade, which reached its peak in the 18th century, significantly altered the dynamics of slavery in the region. The Benin Kingdom became involved in the slave trade, capturing and selling slaves to European traders. Hereditary Slavery: Slavery in the Benin Kingdom gradually became more hereditary, with people born into slavery, and it was often associated with specific castes or social groups. Slaves were used for agricultural labor, domestic work, and other tasks. Abolition of the Atlantic Slave Trade: Like other African societies, the Benin Kingdom was affected by the negative consequences of the transatlantic slave trade. The kingdom's participation in the slave trade contributed to its political and economic decline. By the mid-19th century, the British had abolished the Atlantic slave trade, leading to a decrease in the demand for slaves. British Punitive Expedition (1897): The relationship between the Benin Kingdom and the British Empire soured, leading to the famous British Punitive Expedition of 1897. The British, during this expedition, removed significant artifacts and treasures from the kingdom. This event also marked a turning point in the history of the Benin Kingdom and its relations with European powers. The Benin Kingdom's attitude toward slavery evolved over time. Initially, it practiced various forms of servitude and bondage. With the advent of the transatlantic slave trade, the kingdom became involved in the sale of slaves to European traders. The nature of slavery in Benin gradually became more hereditary and associated with specific castes. The British abolition of the slave trade and the punitive expedition of 1897 were key factors in shaping the kingdom's historical trajectory. |
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