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• Benin was a large and varied kingdom. Some people lived in villages and small towns, but most people lived and worked in Benin City.
• The people of Benin sold goods to merchants from Europe and with other African kingdoms. Instead of using money they exchanged goods.

• The people of Benin believed that their Oba was a god. He lived inside the royal court in Benin City.

• The Oba led religious ceremonies.

• The Oba also owned all the land in his kingdom.

• He decided when his armies should go to war. Sometimes he rode into battle at the head of his troops.

• Palace chiefs ran the royal court. Their jobs were passed down from father to son.

• Town chiefs ruled the ordinary people.

• The first great Queen Mother or 'Iyoba' was Queen Idia, the mother of Oba Esigie.

• She helped her son gain control of the River Niger. As a reward, Esigie gave her a palace of her own.

• People believed that the Queen Mother had magical powers.

• Benin was famous for its craft workers. Specialists in a craft (like ivory-carvers) formed groups called guilds.

• There were more than 40 guilds in Benin City and each guild had to perform a special duty for the Oba.

• Men were also soldiers. Warriors went into battle armed with swords, spears and crossbows.

• Some brave boys trained as hunters.

• The people of Benin worshipped many gods.
• Ogun was God of iron and warriors.
• Osun was God of medicine and magic.
• Osanobua created the world.
• Olokun was God of riches and the Ocean.

Click on the items below to find out more about the goods people traded.