1. The Rise of Benin Flashcards
(29 cards)
Which crops were produced in Benin?
During 1500-1700: pepper and yams produced.
Which natural resources were available in Benin?
During 1500-1700: leopard skins, palm oil, coral beads, wood, and water available.
Which textile product was produced in Benin?
During 1500-1700: cotton cloths produced.
Which major river trade route did Benin lie astride?
By 1500-1700: Benin lay on the Niger River trade route.
Which trade route connected Benin to North Africa?
By 1500-1700: Benin lay on the Kano trade route to North Africa.
Which trade route connected Benin to the Gold Coast?
By 1500-1700: Benin lay on the Gold Coast trade route.
Which major trade route involved human trafficking for Benin?
By 1500-1700: Benin lay on the slave trade route.
How did the coastal forests affect Benin?
During 1500-1700: coastal forests afforded protection.
What was notable about Benin’s ports?
During 1500-1700: Benin had coastal ports facilitating trade.
What was notable about the location of cities in Benin?
During 1500-1700: cities were located inland and protected.
What European trading port did the Portuguese establish in Benin?
Portuguese established a trading port at Gwaton in 1490.
Why was the Portuguese port at Gwaton abandoned?
Gwaton was abandoned in 1507 due to slow trade, failure of locals to convert, and disease.
What commodity was initially traded with the Portuguese?
Initially traded Beni pepper (around 1490s).
How were relations between Benin and the Portuguese characterized initially?
By 1500: relations were cordial, with ambassadors exchanged and three Catholic churches built in Edo.
What major shift occurred in Benin-Portuguese trade in the early 1500s?
In the early 1500s, trade shifted to slaves.
Why were Obas reluctant to sell men into slavery?
Obas were reluctant because men were needed for warfare (early 1500s).
What change in slave markets occurred in Benin in 1516?
In 1516, separate markets for male and female slaves were established.
What policy regarding male slave trade was enacted in 1530?
In 1530, the trade of male slaves was banned, lasting until 1700.
Who was Oba Ewuare?
Oba Ewuare (reigned c.1440s) was a central figure in Benin’s rise.
What reputation did Oba Ewuare have?
During his reign (c.1440s): reputed as a supernaturally gifted magician and warrior.
How did Oba Ewuare expand Benin’s territory?
During his reign (c.1440s): expanded eastwards to lands of Igbo, Ijo, the right bank of the Niger, and towards Lagos.
How did Oba Ewuare respond to neighbouring kingdoms’ growth?
During his reign (c.1440s): centralized power by strengthening civil servants.
How did Oba Ewuare strengthen town and palace chiefs?
During his reign (c.1440s): strengthened town chiefs (Ghabho N’ore) and palace chiefs by establishing three associations (Eghabho N’ojbe) to collect taxes, enforce laws, and settle disputes.
Which royal festival did Oba Ewuare establish?
Established the Ugie Erhe royal festival during his reign (c.1440s).
