Benin Kingdom's Legacy: From Lost Walls to Looted Bronzes

Africa's forgotten history of the medieval kingdom of Benin. Founded in West Africa, this grand empire flourished from the 10th century until its annexation by the British Empire in 1897.

Benin City's fame rests upon the Benin Bronzes, a collection looted by British forces during their 1897 expedition. Yet, the lesser-known marvel of the Walls of Benin, which encircled the city, bore the brunt of British invasion.

This journey takes us through the heart of West African heritage, revealing a kingdom of great culture and remarkable achievements. The Edo people, original architects of the Benin Kingdom, crafted an empire of unparalleled brilliance. With its origins as Ubinu, mispronunciation transformed it into "Bini" during the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1485, Portuguese explorers encountered a sprawling empire, interconnected cities and villages hidden within an African jungle. Bestowed with the title "Great City of Benin," it stood as a paragon of beauty and design, captivating the world.

The engineering marvel of the Walls of Benin are beyond parallel, once a testament to the kingdom's might. Stretching over 16,000 km, these monumental earthworks surpassed even the Great Wall of China. This video unveils the grandeur of Benin City, its forgotten Walls, and the enduring legacy etched in the Benin Bronzes.