If you have ever searched for information about Dahomey and found yourself reading about the Kingdom of Benin instead, you are not alone. The confusion is one of the most persistent puzzles in West African history, and it has a simple cause: in 1975, the Republic of Dahomey changed its name to the Republic of Benin.

This means that the modern country of Benin carries the name of a different kingdom — the historic Kingdom of Benin, which was located about 200 km to the east, in what is now Nigeria.

This article clarifies the difference, once and for all.

The two kingdoms at a glance

| Feature | Kingdom of Dahomey | Kingdom of Benin | |---|---|---| | Location | Southern Benin (Abomey) | Southern Nigeria (Benin City) | | Ethnic group | Fon people | Edo (Bini) people | | Language | Fon language | Edo language | | Founded | c. 1620 by Houegbadja | c. 1180 (classic period) | | Capital | Abomey | Benin City | | Ruler title | King (Ahosu) | Oba | | Famous for | Mino (Amazons), appliqué textiles | Bronze sculptures, ivory | | European contact | Portuguese, French (17th c.) | Portuguese (15th c.) | | Conquered by | France (1894) | Britain (1897) | | Modern status | Became Republic of Benin (1975) | Part of Nigeria |

The kingdom of Dahomey (c. 1620-1894)

The Kingdom of Dahomey was a Fon kingdom located in what is now southern Benin, centered on the city of Abomey. It emerged around 1620 when a group of Aja migrants under Houegbadja established a new kingdom on the Abomey plateau.

Key characteristics of Dahomey:

• Political system: Centralized monarchy with a powerful king, a council of nobles, and a sophisticated administrative system
• Military: Famous for the Mino (often called the Dahomey Amazons) — an elite corps of women warriors that was unique in Africa
• Economy: Based on slave trading, palm oil production, and taxation of trade routes
• Culture: Known for appliqué textiles, bas-reliefs on palace walls, and Vodun religious traditions
• European relations: Extensive trade with Portuguese, Dutch, French, and English merchants; fought two wars with France (1890, 1892-94)

The Kingdom of Dahomey was conquered by France in 1894. It became the French colony of Dahomey, then the independent Republic of Dahomey in 1960, and finally the Republic of Benin in 1975.

The kingdom of Benin (c. 1180-1897)

The Kingdom of Benin was an Edo kingdom located about 200 km east of Dahomey, in what is now Edo State, Nigeria. It was centered on Benin City and was one of West Africa's oldest and most sophisticated kingdoms.

Key characteristics of Benin:

• Political system: Hereditary monarchy under the Oba, with complex systems of checks and balances involving councils of chiefs
• Military: A professional army with a standing force, fortifications, and a famous city wall system
• Economy: Based on trade in ivory, pepper, cloth, and later palm oil; served by one of the earliest Portuguese trading routes
• Culture: World-famous for bronze and brass casting, ivory carving, and coral beadwork
• European relations: First contact with Portuguese in 1485; extensive trade and diplomatic relations; conquered by Britain in 1897 in the Punitive Expedition

The Kingdom of Benin was conquered by Britain in 1897. The famous Benin Bronzes — thousands of brass and bronze plaques that decorated the royal palace — were looted and are now scattered in museums around the world.

How the confusion happened

The confusion between these two kingdoms has a clear origin story.

When President Mathieu Kerkou renamed the Republic of Dahomey to the Republic of Benin in 1975, he chose the name "Benin" for its historical resonance. The name evoked the famous pre-colonial Kingdom of Benin, with its bronze art and ancient lineage. It was a name that suggested African civilization and dignity.

But this choice created a problem: the new nation of Benin now shared a name with an entirely different historical kingdom located in a different country.

The confusion manifests in several ways:

• Search engines: Searching "Kingdom of Benin" returns results for both the Nigerian kingdom and the modern country
• Educational materials: Many textbooks and online resources use "Benin" ambiguously
• Travelers: Visitors to Benin are often surprised to learn that the Kingdom of Benin was not here
• Historical discussions: People discussing "Benin art" may not know whether they mean Dahomey art or Edo art

The Benin bronzes: A source of additional confusion

The most famous artworks associated with the Kingdom of Benin are the Benin Bronzes — thousands of brass, bronze, and ivory works looted from Benin City in 1897. These are among the most important African artworks in the world.

Many people assume that because the modern country is called Benin, the Benin Bronzes must come from there. They do not. The Benin Bronzes come from the Kingdom of Benin in Nigeria.

This confusion has real-world implications. When Nigeria seeks the return of looted Benin Bronzes from European museums, people sometimes wonder why the Republic of Benin is not making the claim. The answer is simple: the Bronzes belong to Nigeria, not to the Republic of Benin.

Why it matters

Understanding the difference between these two kingdoms is important for several reasons:

Historical accuracy: The two kingdoms had different histories, cultures, and political systems. Conflating them erases the distinctiveness of each.

Modern politics: The Republic of Benin and Nigeria are separate countries with different governments, economies, and international relations.

Cultural heritage: The artistic traditions of Dahomey (appliqué, bas-reliefs) and Benin (bronze, ivory) are distinct and should be appreciated on their own terms.

Restitution claims: The debate over looted African art involves both countries, but with different collections and different claims.

The bottom line

The Kingdom of Dahomey and the Kingdom of Benin were two separate, powerful, and sophisticated West African kingdoms. They were located about 200 km apart, were populated by different ethnic groups (Fon and Edo), and had distinct political systems, artistic traditions, and historical trajectories.

The confusion arises because the modern Republic of Benin — the successor to Dahomey — adopted the name of the other kingdom in 1975. This was a political choice that unfortunately created lasting confusion.

Now you know the difference.

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FAQ

Are Dahomey and Benin the same?

Not exactly. The Republic of Benin is the modern country that was formerly called Dahomey. But the historic Kingdom of Benin was a different kingdom located in Nigeria.

What is the difference between the kingdom of Dahomey and the kingdom of Benin?

The Kingdom of Dahomey was a Fon kingdom in southern Benin, known for the Mino warriors. The Kingdom of Benin was an Edo kingdom in Nigeria, known for bronze sculptures. Different locations, different people, different histories.

Where is the kingdom of Benin today?

The historic Kingdom of Benin is located in Edo State, Nigeria, centered on Benin City. It is now part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Why is the modern country called Benin?

The Republic of Benin was named in 1975 when President Kerkou renamed Dahomey. The name was chosen for its pre-colonial African resonance, not because there was a historical connection to the Kingdom of Benin.

Is the Benin bronzes controversy about the republic of Benin?

No. The Benin Bronzes came from the Kingdom of Benin in Nigeria. Their restitution is a matter between Nigeria and the European museums that hold them.

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Continue exploring: Why was Dahomey renamed Benin — the full story of the 1975 name change · Where is the Kingdom of Dahomey Today · Last King of Dahomey · Kingdom of Allada · Kingdom of Hueda

Plan your visit

Explore the land of the former Dahomey kingdom. Our travel guide covers Abomey's royal palaces, the cultural heritage of the Fon people, and how to navigate the country's rich history.