Module #1 Introduction to the Benin Kingdom Overview of the Benin Kingdom, its location, and significance in West African history
Module #2 The Origins of the Benin Kingdom Myths and legends surrounding the founding of the Benin Kingdom, and the role of Eweka I
Module #3 The Benin Kingdoms Political Structure Organization of the Benin Kingdom, including the Obas role, the Uzama, and the palace officials
Module #4 Economy and Trade in the Benin Kingdom Agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade in the Benin Kingdom, including the role of the guild system
Module #5 Benin Kingdoms Art and Architecture Characteristics of Benin art, including bronze casting, wood carvings, and ivory works; and the palace architecture
Module #6 The Benin Kingdoms Military and Defense The Benin Kingdoms military organization, tactics, and strategies, including the role of the royal guard
Module #7 The Portuguese Arrival in Benin (1485) The first European contact with the Benin Kingdom, including the arrival of Portuguese explorers and the Obas response
Module #8 Benin-Portuguese Relations (15th-16th centuries) Diplomatic and commercial relations between the Benin Kingdom and Portugal, including the role of ambassadors and trading agreements
Module #9 The Impact of European Contact on Benin Society Effects of European contact on Benin society, including cultural exchange, economic shifts, and the introduction of Christianity
Module #10 The Role of the Oba in European Contact The Obas role in negotiating with European powers, including the management of diplomatic relations and trade agreements
Module #11 Benins Relations with Other European Powers (16th-17th centuries) Benins interactions with other European powers, including the Dutch, British, and French
Module #12 The Benin Kingdoms Resistance to European Colonization The Benin Kingdoms resistance to European colonization, including the 1897 British Expedition and its consequences
Module #13 The British Conquest of the Benin Kingdom (1897) The events leading up to and including the British conquest of the Benin Kingdom, including the destruction of the palace and the deportation of the Oba
Module #14 The Aftermath of the British Conquest The consequences of the British conquest, including the abolition of the Benin Kingdom, the loss of cultural artifacts, and the impact on Benin society
Module #15 The Legacy of European Contact on the Benin Kingdom The long-term effects of European contact on the Benin Kingdom, including the impact on cultural identity, economy, and politics
Module #16 Benin Kingdoms Cultural Heritage and Preservation Efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom, including museum collections and cultural festivals
Module #17 The Significance of the Benin Kingdom in West African History The importance of the Benin Kingdom in West African history, including its cultural and political achievements
Module #18 Comparative Analysis of the Benin Kingdom and Other West African Kingdoms Comparison of the Benin Kingdom with other West African kingdoms, including the Ashanti, Dahomey, and Hausa states
Module #19 The Benin Kingdoms Legacy in Contemporary Nigerian Politics The influence of the Benin Kingdom on contemporary Nigerian politics, including the role of traditional institutions and cultural identity
Module #20 The Significance of the Benin Kingdom in the African Diaspora The impact of the Benin Kingdom on the African diaspora, including cultural exchange and identity formation
Module #21 The Repatriation of Benin Artifacts and Cultural Heritage Efforts to repatriate cultural artifacts and cultural heritage from European museums to the Benin Kingdom
Module #22 The Benin Kingdoms Cultural and Economic Revitalization Initiatives to revitalize the cultural and economic heritage of the Benin Kingdom, including cultural festivals and tourism development
Module #23 The Role of Education in Preserving Benin Cultural Heritage The importance of education in preserving Benin cultural heritage, including language, history, and cultural values
Module #24 Challenges and Opportunities in Preserving the Benin Kingdoms Cultural Heritage Challenges facing the preservation of the Benin Kingdoms cultural heritage, including cultural appropriation, looting, and cultural erosion
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in The Benin Kingdom and European Contacts career
