Benin Dahomey

Dahomey, also known as the Kingdom of Dahomey, was a powerful pre-colonial kingdom located in present-day Benin, West Africa. Here is some information about Dahomey:

The Kingdom of Dahomey left a lasting impact on the cultural, historical, and political landscape of Benin. Today, remnants of Dahomey's history can be seen in the historical sites, artifacts, and cultural traditions of the region. The legacy of Dahomey is celebrated and preserved as an integral part of Benin's cultural heritage.

Here's some information about Dahomey:

1. Dahomey Location and History

Location and History: Dahomey was situated in the southern part of modern-day Benin, with its capital at Abomey. The kingdom existed from the 17th to the late 19th century. It was ruled by a series of kings, known as the Kings of Dahomey or the Fon Kings, who held significant political and religious power.

2. Military and Expansion

Military and Expansion: Dahomey was renowned for its highly disciplined and fearsome all-female military unit known as the Amazons or Mino. The Amazons played a crucial role in defending the kingdom and participating in warfare. Under Dahomey's military strength, the kingdom expanded its territory through conquest and established control over neighboring regions.

3. Political and Social Structure

Political and Social Structure: Dahomey had a centralized political structure with the king as the supreme authority. The king's council, comprised of noble officials and advisors, played a significant role in governance. Dahomey society was organized into various social strata, with the nobility, warriors, and commoners each having their respective roles and responsibilities.

4. Art and Culture

Art and Culture: Dahomey had a rich artistic and cultural heritage. The kingdom was known for its distinctive architecture, including the royal palaces in Abomey, which are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dahomey art, such as intricately carved wooden statues, masks, and bronze sculptures, reflected the kingdom's religious beliefs, royal traditions, and cultural practices.

5. Religion and Voodoo

Religion and Voodoo: Dahomey's primary religion was Voodoo, also known as Vodoun or Vodun. Voodoo played a significant role in the kingdom's spiritual and cultural life. It involved the worship of ancestral spirits, deities, and nature. Many aspects of Dahomey's rituals and ceremonies were tied to Voodoo practices.

6. Decline and French Colonization

Decline and French Colonization: In the late 19th century, Dahomey faced increasing pressure from European powers, particularly the French. After a series of conflicts, the Kingdom of Dahomey was conquered by the French in 1894, leading to the establishment of French colonial rule over the region.

Musee Historique d'Abomey

Musee Historique d'Abomey: The Musee Historique d'Abomey is another museum in Abomey that houses artifacts and historical displays related to the Dahomey Kingdom. It provides additional insights into the history and cultural significance of the region.

Place GOHO

Place GOHO: Open 24 hours, Monday-Sunday Most important tourist site in the country, representing the illustrious King BÉHANZIN, it has a lot of cultural meaning for the country. Well maintained, it is an excellent place to relax with the park located on site.. It's a calm place with a lot of trees where you can breathe fresh and pure air. There are public benches, car and motorcycles access as well. It's a fantastic place with the outstanding statue of the greatest king of all-time Behanzin. And Large public square accessible to all where you can take in the wind on the public benches, take pictures with the royal prerogative etc.

Maître Adra

Maître Adra: Opens 09:00 - 17:00, Monday-Sunday The Royal Palaces of Abomey are 12 palaces spread over an area of 40 hectares at the heart of the Abomey town in Benin, formerly the capital of the West African Kingdom of Dahomey. The Kingdom was founded in 1625 by the Fon people who developed it into a powerful military and commercial empire, which dominated trade with European slave traders on the Slave Coast until the late 19th century, to whom they sold their prisoners of war. At its peak the palaces could accommodate for up to 8000 people. The King's palace included a two-story building known as the "cowrie house" or akuehue. Under the twelve kings who succeeded from 1625 to 1900, the kingdom established itself as one of the most powerful of the western coast of Africa. You can't claim to know the history of Benin without this place. It was the capital of Dahomey now Benin. It was the most powerful kingdom and defeat everyone around him. Here have what we call Amazone, it is women who where soldiers and can go defeat the enemy army. They was powerful. This place is wonderful too because of the colonialism history. The kings specially Behanzin fight against colonialism. There is amazing history about this place,

Benin Electronic Visa

An electronic visa for Benin may be issued for either a single entry or multiple entries to the Republic, and permit a stay of either 30 or 90 days depending on the individual needs of the traveler. It permits a stay in the West African country for either tourism, transit, or business purposes. Get Benin Travel Visa