Ancient & Pre-Colonial Nigeria
Histories of Nigerian kingdoms, empires, trade routes, and cultures before colonial rule, including Nok, Benin, Oyo, Sokoto, and Kanem-Bornu.
Warri Kingdom: A Niger Delta Monarchy at the Crossroads of Benin, Europe and the Sea
The Warri Kingdom (also called Iwere) occupies a distinct place in Niger Delta history. Its ruling line, the Olu of Warri, traces traditional descent...
Walls of Benin (Benin Moat) Earth, Gate, and Palace: The Verified History of the Benin Walls (Benin Moat)
The earthworks around Benin City, commonly called the Benin Walls or Benin Moat (Edo: iya)—constitute one of West Africa’s largest documented systems of anthropogenic...
Benin Kingdom
The Kingdom of Benin, located in present-day southern Nigeria, stands as one of the most remarkable civilizations in African history. Renowned for its sophisticated...
The Oyo Empire: Military Might, Political Sophistication, and Cultural Legacy of the Yoruba
The Oyo Empire was among the most powerful and influential Yoruba states in West African history. Emerging around the 15th century in present-day southwestern...
Ife Kingdom: The Cradle of Yoruba Civilization and Mastery of Bronze Art
The Ife Kingdom, situated in present-day Osun State, Nigeria, is widely acknowledged as the cradle of Yoruba civilization. From roughly the 11th century, Ife...
Ancient Civilizations and Kingdoms: Nok Culture
The Nok Culture is one of the most fascinating ancient civilizations in Africa, tracing back to around 1000 BC in what is now central...
The Kingdom of Nri: Spiritual Authority and Peaceful Power in Pre-Colonial Nigeria
The Kingdom of Nri, located in present-day southeastern Nigeria, stands as a remarkable example of a spiritual and peaceful African civilisation. Founded around the...
The Fulani People: Pastoral Heritage, Islam, and Cultural Resilience
The Fulani, also called Fula or Fulbe, are among Africa’s most widely dispersed ethnic groups, present in over 20 countries, from Senegal in the...
The Hausa People: Trade, Faith, and Cultural Resilience
The Hausa are one of West Africa’s largest ethnic groups, predominantly residing in northern Nigeria and parts of Niger. According to oral tradition, the...
The Igbo People: Guardians of Culture, Commerce, and Community in Southeastern Nigeria
The Igbo, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, inhabit southeastern Nigeria, including present-day Anambra, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and portions of Delta and Rivers...