The Oba of Benin, whose person was sacred, controlled the Kingdom of Benin, an empire surrounding the West African city of Benin (now in Nigeria), from the 15th century until 1897, when a British 'Punitive Expedition' destroyed the power of the Oba and cleared the way for the British colony of Nigeria. The Kingdom of Benin was a widespread empire, which flourished from the 14th to the 19th century. ... (14th century - 15th century - 16th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 15th century was that century which lasted from 1401 to 1500. ... 1897 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... The Punitive Expedition of 1897 was a military excursion by a British force of 1200 under Admiral Sir Harry Rawson that captured, burned, and looted the city of Benin, incidentally bringing to an end the highly sophisticated West African Kingdom of Benin. ...

External links

• Africa Reparations Movement | Campaign for the return of the Benin Bronzes