Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

The Benin Kingdom

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TERM – 2ND TERM

WEEK SIX

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: HISTORY

Topic: THE BENIN KINGDOM

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

I.) Discuss the origin and formation of the Benin kingdom                    

II.) Describe the culture and traditions of the Benin kingdom

III.) Explain the decline and the legacies of the Benin kingdom.      

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

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures,

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

STUDENT’S

ACTIVITY

STEP 1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher explains the origin and location of the Benin kingdom

Students pay attention to the teacher                                                                       

STEP 2

EXPLANATION

Teacher describe the culture and traditions of the Benin kingdom.

Teacher discusses the decline and the legacies of the Benin kingdom.

Students pay attention and participate

STEP 3

NOTE TAKING

The teacher writes a summarized

note on the board

The students

copy the note in

their books

 

NOTE

THE BENIN KINGDOM

The Benin Kingdom, also known as the Edo Kingdom, was a pre-colonial African state located in what is now southern Nigeria. It was one of the oldest and most powerful kingdoms in West Africa, with a rich history dating back to the 11th century AD.

The kingdom's origins are traced to the Edo people, who settled in the region around the Benin River Valley. According to legend, the Benin Kingdom was founded by Prince Oranmiyan, a legendary figure who was also associated with the founding of the Oyo Empire.

Culture and traditions

The Benin Kingdom was known for its rich cultural heritage, which encompassed art, religion, and social customs. Some key aspects of Benin culture include:

  1. Art: The Benin Kingdom was renowned for its exquisite bronze and brass sculptures, particularly the famous Benin Bronzes. These artworks depicted scenes from Benin history, mythology, and royal court life.
  2. Religion: The traditional religion of the Benin people revolved around the worship of ancestral spirits, gods, and deities associated with nature and fertility.
  3. Social Structure: The Benin Kingdom had a hierarchical social structure, with the Oba and royal family occupying the highest ranks. Below them were titled officials, nobles, and commoners.
  4. Language and Literature: The Edo language was spoken in the Benin Kingdom, with its own unique dialects and variations.

Decline and Legacy

The Benin Kingdom reached its zenith in the 15th and 16th centuries, but by the late 19th century, it faced external pressures from European colonial powers, particularly the British. In 1897, the British launched a punitive expedition against Benin City, leading to the destruction of the kingdom's royal palace and the looting of its treasures, including the Benin Bronzes.

Despite this, the Benin Kingdom's cultural legacy endures, with its art, traditions, and history continuing to be celebrated by the Edo people and recognized internationally. Today, Benin City remains an important cultural and historical center in Nigeria, attracting visitors from around the world to explore its rich heritage.

EVALUATION: 1. Briefly discuss the origin and formation of the Benin kingdom                    

  1. Describe the culture and traditions of the Benin kingdom
  2.   Explain briefly the decline and the legacies of the Benin kingdom .  

 CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively