The Kingdom of Benin

Kingdom of Benin KS2 History Lessons: Explore the Rise and Fall of an African Empire

What was life like in the Kingdom of Benin? How did this powerful West African civilisation become so wealthy and influential, and what led to its eventual decline? This engaging Kingdom of Benin KS2 History scheme of work takes Year 6 children on a fascinating journey through the history of the Benin Empire, exploring its origins, rulers, society, trade networks and achievements, as well as the events that led to its fall in 1897.

Across seven ready-to-teach History lessons, children investigate the development of the Kingdom of Benin in West Africa, located in what is now southern Nigeria. Beginning with an exploration of its geographical location and historical timeline, children discover how Benin developed from an early kingdom into a powerful empire. They'll compare events in Benin with those taking place in Britain at the same time, developing their understanding of chronology and the different ways in which civilisations have developed.

Children then explore how historians know about the Kingdom of Benin, investigating the differences between oral histories and archaeological evidence. They'll examine how different sources can tell us about the past, consider their reliability and explore how historical events may be interpreted differently depending on whose perspective is represented.

Next, children investigate the Obas of Benin, discovering how the kingdom was governed and how its rulers demonstrated their power and authority. Through the study of Benin artefacts, including the famous brass heads and bronze sculptures, children explore the significance of royal traditions, craftsmanship and the skilled artisans who helped shape Benin's cultural identity.

The following lessons focus on everyday life in the Kingdom of Benin, exploring the roles of farmers, builders, artists and craftspeople, as well as the crops, animals and resources that supported its population. Children then investigate Benin's extensive trade networks, discovering the goods that were imported and exported, the development of trading relationships with European merchants and the importance of trade to the empire's wealth and influence.

Children also explore the Golden Age of Benin between 1400 and 1600, investigating the factors that contributed to this period of prosperity and evaluating which developments were most important to the kingdom's success. They'll consider the achievements of the Benin Empire and compare its development with events taking place in Britain during the same period.

Finally, children investigate the decline and fall of the Kingdom of Benin, exploring the effects of internal conflicts, changing trade relationships, European imperialism and British colonial expansion. They'll examine the events leading to the British invasion of 1897 and use historical evidence to consider the different factors that contributed to the empire's downfall. Throughout these investigations, children are encouraged to question historical interpretations, recognise bias and form balanced judgements supported by evidence.

Perfect for teachers looking for Kingdom of Benin KS2 lessons or a complete Benin History scheme of work, this seven-lesson unit supports the KS2 History National Curriculum study of a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history. With engaging investigations, historical source analysis, chronological activities and opportunities for discussion and debate, it helps children develop a deeper understanding of this significant African civilisation while strengthening their historical enquiry and critical thinking skills.

What children will learn

• locate the Kingdom of Benin in West Africa and understand its geographical relationship with modern-day Nigeria and neighbouring regions

• develop chronological understanding by placing key events from Benin's history on a timeline and comparing them with events in British history

• explore the origins and early development of the Kingdom of Benin, including the period from 900 to 1300 CE

• investigate oral histories and archaeological evidence to discover how historians learn about the Benin Empire

• evaluate the reliability of different historical sources and consider how interpretations of the past can vary

• discover the role and authority of the Oba, the ruler of Benin, and explore the kingdom's royal traditions

• examine Benin artefacts, including brass heads and bronze sculptures, to investigate the beliefs, achievements and craftsmanship of the Edo people

• explore everyday life in Benin, including occupations, farming, food production, skilled crafts and the experiences of ordinary people

• investigate the trade networks of the Benin Empire, identifying important imports and exports and explaining how trade contributed to its wealth

• understand the significance of Benin's trading relationships with European merchants, including the trade in enslaved people

• investigate the Golden Age of Benin from 1400 to 1600 and evaluate the factors that contributed to its prosperity and influence

• compare developments in the Kingdom of Benin with events taking place in Britain during the same period

• explore the internal and external factors that contributed to the decline of the Benin Empire, including civil conflict, changing trade relationships and European colonial expansion

• investigate the British invasion of Benin in 1897 and consider its consequences for the kingdom

• develop historical enquiry skills by analysing sources, recognising bias, comparing perspectives and forming evidence-based historical judgements

• use historical vocabulary accurately, including Oba, Edo, artefact, guild, trade, empire, colonisation, imperialism and historical interpretation

What's included

This complete seven-lesson Kingdom of Benin KS2 History scheme of work includes everything you need to plan, teach and assess your unit:

• 7 detailed lesson plans with clear learning objectives, teaching guidance and engaging historical investigations

• Ready-to-teach presentation slides exploring the Kingdom of Benin's origins, rulers, society, trade, Golden Age and eventual decline

• Differentiated worksheets and activities to support adaptive teaching

• Printable teaching resources, including historical timelines, information sheets, story sheets, picture cards, fact cards and trade cards

• Historical source investigations using oral histories, archaeological evidence and images of Benin artefacts to develop enquiry and interpretation skills

• Chronological activities helping children sequence key developments in Benin's history and compare them with events in Britain

• Artefact investigations exploring the Obas of Benin, royal traditions and the significance of Benin's skilled craftspeople

• Trade and economic investigations examining imports, exports and the importance of trading relationships to the empire's development

• Historical evaluation activities encouraging children to assess the causes of Benin's Golden Age and the factors contributing to its decline

• Alternative activity suggestions providing additional opportunities for historical enquiry, discussion and critical thinking

• A History knowledge organiser featuring key facts, historical vocabulary, a timeline, sources and enquiry questions

• An assessment grid to track children's historical knowledge, chronological understanding and enquiry skills

All resources are supplied as downloadable PDFs, ready to use in your Year 6 classroom.