History - Junior Secondary 1 - Benin kingdom

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 7 and 8

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:  Benin kingdom

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Locate the Benin kingdom on the map
2. ) Discuss the origin of Benin kingdom
3. ) Describe the socio-political structure of the Benin kingdom
4. ) State the economic activities of the Benin people

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools 1 by Ijeoma E.O

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 7

NOTE

BENIN KINGDOM

The Benin Kingdom was located in what is now southern Nigeria, primarily in the area corresponding to modern Edo State. Its capital was Benin City, situated close to the Niger Delta. This location provided access to various trade routes along the coast and inland, enhancing Benin’s influence over surrounding regions.

Origin of the Benin Kingdom
The origins of the Benin Kingdom trace back to around the 11th century, with the Edo-speaking people who initially organized themselves in small settlements. According to historical accounts, the kingdom gained a centralized leadership structure when the Edo people invited a prince from Ife, Oranmiyan, to rule over them. Oranmiyan’s descendants established the Oba dynasty, which transformed Benin into a powerful kingdom. By the 15th century, the kingdom expanded significantly under the rule of Oba Ewuare, becoming one of the most powerful and well-organized states in West Africa.

EVALUATION:

1. Describe the geographic location of the Benin Kingdom. How did its position near the Niger Delta contribute to its development?
2. Explain the significance of Benin City as the capital of the Benin Kingdom. Why was this location strategic for trade and political influence?
3. Summarize the role of Oranmiyan in the founding of the Benin Kingdom. What impact did his arrival have on the kingdom’s leadership structure?
4. Discuss the origins of the Oba dynasty in Benin. How did the establishment of this dynasty influence Benin’s rise as a centralized kingdom?
5. Analyze the reign of Oba Ewuare. How did his leadership contribute to Benin’s expansion and power in the 15th century?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 8

NOTE

BENIN KINGDOM

Socio-Political Structure of the Benin Kingdom
The Benin Kingdom had a well-defined socio-political hierarchy:

• The Oba: The king, known as the Oba, was the central authority and held both political and spiritual power over the kingdom. The Oba was seen as semi-divine and played a major role in governance and religious rituals.
• Uzama Council: The kingdom’s political structure included a council of nobles called the Uzama, who advised the Oba and played key roles in state administration.
• Chiefs and Officials: The Oba was supported by different ranks of chiefs, including palace chiefs (Iwebo, Iweguae, and Ibiwe) responsible for palace duties and village chiefs who governed rural territories.
• Guild System: Benin had a unique guild system in which artisans were organized by skill (bronze casting, ivory carving, etc.). These guilds not only produced goods but also contributed to the social and religious activities of the kingdom.

Economic Activities of the Benin People
The Benin people engaged in diverse economic activities that contributed to the kingdom’s wealth:

• Agriculture: The Benin people cultivated yams, palm oil, and various other crops, benefiting from the fertile lands around the Niger Delta.
• Trade: The Benin Kingdom was a major player in regional and long-distance trade, dealing in goods like ivory, textiles, slaves, and pepper. The kingdom also engaged in trade with European merchants, particularly the Portuguese, from the 15th century onward.
• Art and Craftsmanship: Benin was famous for its skilled artisans, especially in bronze casting and ivory carving. These artworks not only served as trade items but also symbolized the kingdom’s wealth and sophistication.
• Tribute and Conquest: Benin expanded its territories by conquering nearby regions, often imposing tribute on them. This system brought additional wealth and resources into the kingdom.

EVALUATION:   

1. Evaluate the role of the Oba in Benin’s socio-political structure. How did the Oba’s authority shape governance and religious practices?
2. Describe the functions of the Uzama council. In what ways did the Uzama contribute to the political stability of the Benin Kingdom?
3. Explain the significance of the guild system in Benin. How did this system contribute to the kingdom’s social and economic organization?
4. Identify and discuss the major agricultural products cultivated by the Benin people. How did these contribute to the kingdom’s wealth?
5. Analyze the impact of Benin’s trade relationships with European merchants, particularly the Portuguese. How did this external trade influence the kingdom’s economy and culture?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively