Important Events in Benin, Africa By csull95 Period: Jan 1, 1200 to Jan 1, 1800 Benin Kingdom Period: Jan 1, 1200 to Nov 12, 1897 Royal court of Benin Period: Jan 1, 1500 to Jan 1, 1800 Wealth/Power of Benin Increases Because of Trade With Portuguese Jan 1, 1600 Slave Trade Becomes most vital export Period: Jan 1, 1600 to Jan 1, 1700 African cultural traditions developed relatively uninflBenin deveoping culturally uninfluenced by outside elements 17&18th centuries Period: Jan 1, 1840 to Jan 1, 1900 French presence and influence increases Jan 1, 1894 King Behanzin surrenders King Behanzin is considered the 11th king of Benin Jan 1, 1897 British Punitive Expedition Led by British admiral Sir Harry Rawson. His troops captured, burned, and looted Benin City, bringing the Kingdom of Benin to an end.