Kingdom of Benin
The Kingdom of Benin (in present-day Nigeria) was one of the most sophisticated states in pre-colonial West Africa, renowned for its bronze artwork and political organisation. Portuguese traders established contact in the 1480s. Benin participated in the Atlantic slave trade, though less extensively than Dahomey, until its annexation by Britain in 1897.
- Existed: 1180 CE – 1897 CE
- Type: Entity
- Government: Absolute monarchy
- Capital: Benin City