castle History

The Kingdom of Dahomey

In Benin, Kingdom of Dahomey (1645-1894) was one of the great West African powers for 250 years. Here is its peak, its organization and its fall.

schedule 7 min
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1
Peak

Birth and expansion

1645Founded by Houégbadja
CapitalAbomey
Peak18th-19th centuries
12 kingsFrom Houégbadja to Béhanzin
BordersPresent-day southern Benin
2
Organization

Society and economy

KingAxɔ́sú = absolute authority
MinoAmazons, royal guard
EconomyAgriculture + slave trade
ReligionOfficial Vodun
HierarchyKing > nobles > warriors > peasants > slaves

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3
Fall

French conquest 1892-1894

1890First clashes with France
1892First war, defeat
1894Surrender, exile of Béhanzin
1895French protectorate
1960Independence of Benin
Axɔ́sú gbɛ̌
Living king — title of the rulers of Dahomey
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Memory

Today, the Royal Palaces of Abomey are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting Abomey = walking through 250 years of living Fon history.

Memory of Dahomey

250 years of monarchy, 12 kings, Amazons, a brutal fall. Dahomey remainsone of the most glorious chapters of African history.

Danxomɛ
Language before translation
Parlons Fongbe Academy
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Proverbs, Vodun, the history of Danxomɛ: all of it is said first in Fon. 79 video lessons with a native speaker, from the first greeting to conversation — so you can listen to this culture without having it translated for you.

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