THE GLORIOUS ANCIENT BENIN EMPIRE The Benin Empire thrived as a remarkable ancient city located in present-day Nigeria. In the pre-colonial era, Benin stood among the highly advanced cultures in Africa. This empire originated around 900 CE when the Edo people settled in the lush rainforests of West Africa. The walls encompassing Benin City and its surrounding kingdom were an extraordinary feat of earthworks, unmatched in scale until the advent of mechanization. In fact, they earned a place in th

This is the story of a lost medieval city you’ve probably never heard about. Benin City, originally known as Edo, was once the capital of a pre-colonial African empire located in what is now southern Nigeria. The Benin empire was one of the oldest and most highly developed states in west Africa, dating back to the 11th century. With its mathematical layout and earthworks longer than the Great Wall of China, Benin City was one of the best planned cities in the world when London was a place of ‘th

As a cultural enthusiast and storyteller, I recently visited the historic Benin City in Edo State, driven by a singular purpose—to experience the rich and renowned cuisine of this ancient land. My destination was clear: to taste the famous Black Soup, a culinary masterpiece deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Edo people. Black Soup, known locally as “Omoebe,” is a delicacy that captures the essence of Edo State’s culinary tradition. Made from a blend of bitter leaves (ewuro), scent lea