Kingdoms and Monuments: The Great Walls of Benin (Nigeria)

The walls of Benin stood 18 meters tall and ran more than 15000km around the city (Imagined by AI)

 

The Walls of Benin: Africa’s Ancient Architectural Wonder

Long before the rise of modern cities and industrialized defenses, the ancient Kingdom of Benin, located in present-day southern Nigeria, stood as a model of urban planning, cultural sophistication, and military innovation. One of its most extraordinary legacies is the Great Walls of Benin, a system of fortified earthworks stretching across over 15,000 kilometers. The walls were built to protect one of the most influential African kingdoms of its time.

A Marvel in Stone and Earth: Origins and Scale

Construction of the Benin Walls began as early as 800 AD and continued into the late 15th century, around 1473. Built entirely by hand, using earthworks that included deep moats and tall embankments, these walls were an astounding feat of pre-colonial engineering.

Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers, the wall complex surrounded Benin City, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Benin. With some sections reportedly reaching heights of 18 meters, the structure was a defense mechanism. It was also a testament to the architectural genius and organizational strength of the Edo people.

In terms of length and historical importance, the Benin Walls surpassed even the Great Wall of China. According to the Guinness Book of Records (1974 edition), the Walls of Benin were the world’s largest man-made earthworks carried out before the mechanical era.

Military and Social Function: Protection and Urban Planning

The walls served a dual purpose. First, they were a fortified barrier, protecting the kingdom from slave raiders and hostile neighbors. Second, they reflected a sophisticated urban plan, with a complex network of interconnected roads, gates, and ring routes.

The inner and outer walls were interconnected, and the design featured guarded gates, moats, and watch posts to monitor threats. Inside the capital, an intricate network of 30 straight roads connected the city’s core to its surrounding settlements. Each road met the walls at a right angle, facilitating easy movement, trade, and military coordination.

European Visitors in Awe: Benin’s Streets Were Wider Than Amsterdam’s

When Dutch explorer Dierick Ruiters visited Benin in 1602, he was stunned by the city’s urban planning. He noted that the thoroughfares in Benin were up to seven times wider than Amsterdam’s main streets, with some measuring an impressive 120 feet across.

Such testimonies dismantle the colonial myth of pre-modern African societies as “uncivilized.” Benin’s layout showcased not only advanced city planning but also the high social order and functional governance of the kingdom.

A Thriving Empire: The Reach of the Benin Kingdom

At its peak, the Kingdom of Benin stretched across vast territories. Its influence extended:

• Eastward to Onitsha in present-day southeastern Nigeria,

• Westward to parts of modern-day Ghana,

• And across southwestern Nigeria, including present-day Benin Republic and Togo.

The Kingdom was known for its sophisticated administrative system, rich artistic traditions, and robust trade network. Its trade routes spanned West Africa and reached into Europe and parts of North Africa.

1897: The British Invasion and the Fall of Benin

The beginning of the end came in 1897. A conflict broke out between the Benin palace guards and British officials, which resulted in the deaths of eight British delegates. This incident gave the British Empire a pretext to launch a full-scale punitive expedition.

The British army, armed with modern weapons and overwhelming firepower, invaded Benin City. They:

• Burnt the city to the ground,

• Destroyed the walls,

• Looted the royal palace, and

• Stole thousands of priceless artworks, now known as the Benin Bronzes, many of which still sit in European museums today.

This marked a tragic end to one of the most advanced civilizations in precolonial Africa.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance: The Oba’s Palace and the Heart of the Kingdom

At the heart of Benin City sat the Oba’s palace, the spiritual and political nucleus of the empire. The palace was surrounded by the city walls, symbolizing the king’s divine authority and the kingdom’s unified strength. Even today, the Oba of Benin holds court in Benin City, maintaining a direct link to the legacy of this ancient empire. The remaining fragments of the walls still stand as monuments to a powerful African story of resilience, brilliance, and interrupted glory.

Legacy and Preservation: Reclaiming African Greatness

Efforts are now underway to preserve and reconstruct parts of the Benin Walls, as well as to repatriate the stolen Benin Bronzes from foreign museums. The Nigerian government, in partnership with global institutions, is actively engaging in cultural restitution and historical justice.

These walls remind us that Africa was, and still is, a birthplace of ingenuity and civilization. They challenge us to reclaim our narrative, protect our heritage, and amplify the genius of our ancestors.

Conclusion: A Testament to African Ingenuity

The Walls of Benin were not just structures of clay and earth. They were expressions of a people’s spirit, a culture’s mastery, and an empire’s vision. They tell a story that predates colonialism, shatters stereotypes, and continues to inspire pride across the African continent and diaspora.

As we look to the future, we must draw strength from the walls that once protected our past. Let us continue to excavate, educate, and elevate the legacy of Benin and countless other civilizations. Let us recount the stories that shaped the world long before the colonizers arrived.

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