Benin Kingdom and European Trade

Timeline

1. 1561–1565Benin City · NigeriaIn the early 1560s, the Benin Oba controlled contact with European merchants through designated intermediaries (such as the Uzama and court officials), exporting ivory and pepper and importing copper ingots, coral beads, and textiles. Trade revenues strengthened royal ritual and the production of court arts such as bronze reliefs.
2. 1566–1570Coast of the Bight of Benin · Bight of BeninIn the later 1560s, more European merchants (mainly Portuguese and later other nationalities) came to operate in the Bight of Benin, and the range of traded goods expanded to include more metalwork and firearms. The kingdom used European goods to consolidate control over subordinate communities, while also deepening its dependence on coastal trade.