The Great Wall of Benin: A Legacy in Ruins, A History Unforgotten #27

????Happy Wednesday and Happy Black History Month!

????Our black history and black excellence lessons continue unapologetically ????!

As we wrap up Black History Month this week, I would like to share a story of my people the Edo people found in present-day Edo state Nigeria. The city where I spent a good part of my life. I come from the Esan tribe and like many tribes that exist in Edo state today, we are all descendants of the Benin Empire.

The Great Wall of Benin: Africa’s Underrated Marvel

Once upon a time in the mighty kingdom of Benin, long before colonial invaders decided Africa was their buffet—stood one of the greatest architectural wonders of the ancient world: The Great Wall of Benin. And no, it wasn’t a metaphorical wall of greatness; it was a literal, massive, and sophisticated defensive structure that put many so-called "modern" fortifications to shame. The construction of the wall began during the reign of Oba Oguola (1280-1295 AD) and continued under subsequent kings. Between 1440-1473 Oba Ewuare the Great extended and consolidated the moats.

The Great Wall of Benin, also known as the Benin Earthworks, was an engineering marvel. Spanning over 16,000 kilometres, it was four times longer than the Great Wall of China in terms of sheer mass made up of an intricate series of moats and walls. Built by the Edo people of Benin Kingdom entirely by hand using advanced urban planning techniques, these walls were designed to protect the glorious Benin Empire from external threats. The sheer ingenuity of the Edo people is something architects today still struggle to grasp. How did this architectural marvel happen without cranes, cement trucks, or a single viral TikTok tutorial? The walls weren’t just walls; they were fortresses of protection, symbols of power, and proof that African civilizations were highly advanced long before colonizers came knocking with their “civilizing missions.” My unapologetic side-eye.

So what happened?

Enter the British Punitive Expedition of 1897, where British troops burned down the Benin Kingdom, and looted thousands of priceless artifacts "proudly" displayed in their museums today (they were not "gifts", they were "stolen" and have refused to give them back) and destroyed the Great Wall, leaving behind what was once one of the most sophisticated man-made structures in the world in ruins. But don’t worry, they left us “historical inaccuracies” in return. But, of course, history has a way of burying Black excellence under a pile of colonial narratives so we shouldn't be surprised that many have NEVER heard about the Walls of Benin Kingdom.

Ah, yes, the infamous British Museum "storage unit." This is where many of Benin's stolen treasures ended up. Beautiful bronze plaques, statues, and ceremonial regalia were ripped from the hands of their rightful owners and shipped off to sit behind glass cases in European museums, collecting dust while curators give fancy speeches about "shared global heritage." My unapologetic side-eye.

The Great Wall That Time Forgot

Unlike the Great Wall of China, which gets Hollywood movies and endless tourism campaigns, the Great Wall of Benin barely gets a footnote in history books even though bits and traces of the ruins and the moats can be found in present-day Benin City. Why? Because acknowledging it would mean admitting that African civilizations were not just huts and spears like "they" promote in movies, but highly advanced societies with urban planning, engineering, and political structures that rivalled those of Europe. And yet, despite the destruction, the spirit of the Benin people lives on. The descendants of the great Edo warriors still walk with pride, knowing that their ancestors built one of the greatest cities of the pre-colonial world. While much of the wall was reduced to ruins, its legacy is etched in the hearts of those who know the truth.

So, Why Don’t We Talk About This More?

The truth is, that African history was systematically erased and downplayed, replaced with stories that made colonizers look like heroes instead of looters. But here’s the good news: we’re bringing it back! The fight for the return of the Benin Bronzes is still ongoing. Some European institutions have begun to return stolen artifacts (slowly, begrudgingly, and with far too much fanfare for something that should be basic decency). But the real question is: when will we acknowledge the full story of Africa’s greatness?

We are the keepers of our history. We must tell these stories, teach our children, and ensure that no one erases our past again. The Great Wall of Benin was more than just an architectural masterpiece—it was a symbol of resilience, ingenuity, and strength. And that spirit cannot be looted or burned. Black history isn’t just about struggle; it’s about greatness, our past is filled with stories that deserve front-page headlines—not forgotten footnotes.

So, What’s the Call to Action? Rebuilding More Than Walls

1. Demand the return of stolen artifacts! If museums can keep receipts for old paintings, they can return Benin Bronzes and other looted treasures to their rightful owners.
2. Tell our stories—LOUDLY. Share them, create awareness, write about them, and make movies about them (Hollywood, are you listening?). Because the power of Blackness is not just in our past—it’s in our future.
3. Support African history education. The more we learn, the less they can erase. This is why I started my Africa is NOT a Country series, to educate children about the continent of Africa through great stories.

Let’s make sure our past isn’t just remembered but celebrated—every single day. Because Black history didn’t start with slavery, and it sure as hell doesn’t end there! So next time someone tries to tell you Africa was just "tribes in the jungle," hit them with a history lesson so strong, that they'll wish they had their own Great Wall to hide behind!

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Happy reading!

Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze

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