Kingdom of Benin (c. AD 900-1300)

A powerful West African kingdom famous for its art, trade and strong leaders

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
In which modern country was the Kingdom of Benin located? A) Nigeria B) Egypt C) Kenya D) South Africa
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2
What was the title of the ruler of the Kingdom of Benin? A) Oba B) King C) Pharaoh D) Caliph
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3
Benin is famous for beautiful artworks made from which metal? A) Bronze B) Iron C) Tin D) Silver
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4
Where was the Kingdom of Benin? A) West Africa, in modern Nigeria B) South America C) Northern Europe D) Australia
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5
True or false? The Kingdom of Benin had its own large, well-trained army. A) True B) False
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6
What were the Benin Bronzes mainly used to record or show? A) The history of the Oba and important events B) Scenes from English history C) Maps of the whole world D) Pictures of modern cars
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7
Fill in the blank. From the late 1400s, Benin began to trade with ___ merchants who arrived by ship.
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8
True or false? European visitors in the 1600s described Benin City as smaller and poorer than London at the time. A) True B) False
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9
Put these events from West African history in order, earliest first. Put these in order: Benin trades with Portuguese sailors, Kingdom of Benin is founded, Benin City is conquered by the British
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10
Why is it important to study African kingdoms like Benin in history lessons? A) They show that powerful, advanced societies existed across the world, not just in Europe B) They prove that nothing important ever happened in Europe C) They show that Africa had no history before Europeans arrived D) They are not actually important to learn about
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Answer key

Kingdom of Benin (c. AD 900-1300) · for parents and teachers

1
Nigeria
The historic Kingdom of Benin was in what is now southern Nigeria, with its capital at Benin City.
2
Oba
The ruler of Benin was called the Oba. The Oba was both a political leader and a spiritual figure.
3
Bronze
Benin artists made stunning bronze plaques and heads. Many of these are known as the Benin Bronzes.
4
West Africa, in modern Nigeria
The Kingdom of Benin was in West Africa, in what is now southern Nigeria.
5
True
Benin had a strong and disciplined army, which allowed the Oba to expand the kingdom and protect its borders.
6
The history of the Oba and important events
The Benin Bronzes told the story of the kingdom. They showed Obas, warriors, ceremonies and important events.
7
European
From the late 1400s, Benin traded with European merchants, starting with the Portuguese. They exchanged goods like ivory, pepper and cloth.
8
False
European visitors actually described Benin City as large, clean and well-organised, with wide streets and a great palace. They often compared it favourably to European cities.
9
Kingdom of Benin is founded, Benin trades with Portuguese sailors, Benin City is conquered by the British
Benin was founded around AD 1180. Portuguese traders arrived in the late 1400s. The British conquered Benin City in 1897.
10
They show that powerful, advanced societies existed across the world, not just in Europe
Studying Benin shows that great civilisations developed all over the world. It helps us see a fuller and fairer picture of world history.