The Kingdom of Dahomey: A Militaristic Society Built on Conquest
The Kingdom of Dahomey is estimated to have been created in the early 1620s, with Daku as the first monarch. Dahomey was a small city that eventually became a major political power in Africa. It had a strong military which included the Gbeto and it expanded through conquests, and raiding cities for people and more wealth.
Dahomey was a major player in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. They would conquer other cities and sell their captives to the slave trade if they did not keep them for themselves. Some of their captives became Dahomey servants, and some even were recruited to join the military units.
Although the slave trade had an effect on Dahomey, the slave trade was not its only source of income. Because Dahomey was built on conquest, every city they conquered added to their wealth. They also traded goods with other nations.
Dahomey was able to conquer many other cities because of its military power. Below is a timeline that provides an overview on the events that took place in Dahomey from 1620, until the French conquered Dahomey.
Dahomey was a major player in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. They would conquer other cities and sell their captives to the slave trade if they did not keep them for themselves. Some of their captives became Dahomey servants, and some even were recruited to join the military units.
Although the slave trade had an effect on Dahomey, the slave trade was not its only source of income. Because Dahomey was built on conquest, every city they conquered added to their wealth. They also traded goods with other nations.
Dahomey was able to conquer many other cities because of its military power. Below is a timeline that provides an overview on the events that took place in Dahomey from 1620, until the French conquered Dahomey.
Interactive MapProvided is a visual of Dahomey and its neighboring cities. It is important to see where Dahomey was located in order to understand how it was able to expand and conquer places like Ouidah, and overthrow Oyo. With the story map provided, you will be able to see where on the map these cities were located. Visualization may help you to understand the events better. The map is interactive, so you can zoom in!
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