-
In 1000 A.D., Ile- Ife became a major cultural and trading center and became to grow in size and power.
-
Little is known about these people but oral story tellers say it was “the place the world was created. The reason so little is known is because the modern day city of Ife is on top of the historical city of Ile- Ife
-
The people of Ile- Ife began to sculpt sculptures of their onis and powerful leaders. These scultptures were used to intimidate other enemies or leaders.
-
The city of Benin was created in the 1200s, and they mined copper, iron, and gold. Benins leaders were called Obas and like Ile- Ife sold sculptures, they sold slaves.
-
By the 1500s, Benin was at its highest point in strenght and size. They controlled a large army, priests, government workers, and not as important local chiefs. This gave Benin a large amount of power and strenght.
-
In the 1600s Benin began to lose all of its power. Like Ile- Ife it began a city of art and culture. It was a strong kingdom for a large amount of time, but this was the fall of Benin.