1. The Rise of Oyo and Dahomey Flashcards
(29 cards)
Where was the Oyo Empire located?
Inland from the Atlantic Ocean, around modern-day Nigeria. (Date: N/A)
What terrain feature allowed agriculture and mobility for Oyo?
Savannah grasslands. (Date: N/A)
How was Oyo protected from coastal threats?
Protected by thick forests north of the lagoon of Lagos. (Date: N/A)
What type of military unit did Oyo have access to and deploy effectively?
Cavalry. (Date: N/A)
What resource supported Oyo’s production of weapons?
Ironsmiths making iron weapons. (Date: N/A)
Which proverb highlights Oyo’s cavalry advantage?
“Who shall beat a warrior who is a horseman in the plain?” (Date: N/A)
What weapons did Oyo cavalrymen carry?
2-3 spears: the oko (spear) or the esin (javelin). (Date: N/A)
Which foot soldiers accompanied the Oyo cavalry?
Archers on foot. (Date: N/A)
Who were the royal ilari in Oyo’s military structure?
Slaves under command of 70 Eso (war chiefs). (Date: N/A)
How were soldiers recruited in the Oyo Empire?
Each province provided soldiers. (Date: N/A)
Who led the Oyo military forces?
The Are Ona Kakanfo (Commander in Chief). (Date: N/A)
Which rival kingdom did Oyo defeat to enable its rise?
Nupe (defeated by 1600). (Date: By 1600)
What had Nupe done to Oyo prior to its defeat?
Raided and sacked Oyo cities. (Date: Before 1600)
What was the consequence of Oyo’s defeat of Nupe?
Allowed Oyo to rise and develop. (Date: After 1600)
Where was the Kingdom of Dahomey located?
Inland from the Atlantic Ocean in West Africa. (Date: N/A)
What natural features protected Dahomey from invasion?
Mahi swamplands and forests. (Date: N/A)
What terrain advantages did Dahomey have?
Savannah grasslands offering advantages for farming and transport. (Date: N/A)
What military supplies did Dahomey access through Europeans?
Firearms. (Date: N/A)
What was the Agbajigbeto in Dahomey?
A powerful network of spies for military intelligence and spiritual warfare. (Date: N/A)
How large was the Dahomey military?
Around 10,000 strong; small but trained and armed with muskets. (Date: N/A)
Which city in the Dahomey region traded with Europeans since the 1580s?
Allada. (Date: Since the 1580s)
Which rival trading center became powerful by the 1660s?
Hueda. (Date: By the 1660s)
What action did Europeans take against Hueda in 1704?
Imposed a treaty limiting its power. (Date: 1704)
What opportunity arose for Dahomey under King Agaja?
Chance to seize Allada and Hueda due to their weakening. (Date: Early 18th century)
