Benin Moat

The origins of the Benin Moats, also known as the Walls of Benin, cannot not be attributed to a single ruler or era.[2] While Oba Oguola played a role in expanding and deepening the moats, evidence suggests that these moats existed before his reign and even before the establishment of the Oba monarchy.[2] Various villages and wards that later coalesced into Benin City may have initially dug their moats for both defensive and boundary purposes.[3] The moat is an example of large-scale engineering characteristic of the Benin Empire.[4] It consisted of a combination of ramparts and intricate moats that encircled the city of Benin City in present-day Edo State, Nigeria.[5]

The earliest phase of moat construction in the Benin Kingdom likely predates the Ogiso kings. Archaeological findings and oral traditions suggest that some moats were in existence before the arrival of the Ogiso rulers.[6] These early moats served various purposes, including socio-political organisation, economic activities, and defense.[7]

During the rule of the Ogiso kings, the culture of moat construction continued and likely expanded. Moats varied in their origins and purposes. Different villages and wards within the Benin Kingdom had their moats, often constructed for distinct reasons. The Ogiso kings contributed to the development of some of these moats, maintaining control and organisation within the kingdom.[7] With the transition from the Ogiso kings to the Obas, the moat-building tradition persisted. Obas like Oba Oguola and Oba Ewuare re-dug and deepened some of these structures. The moats associated with the Benin Kingdom today, particularly the inner moat crossed during Obas' coronation, might have been deepened during Oba Ewuare's reign in 1440 A.D. Oba Oguola, who reigned around 1280 A.D, also played a role in moat construction.[7]

Construction of the Benin Moat itself began as early as 800 AD and continued until around 1460 AD.[8] This defensive system comprised inner moats and walls protecting Benin City, while outer walls extended to encompass numerous villages and communities.[8] In total, the moat system spanned about 16,000 kilometres (9,900 mi) and enclosed approximately 6,500 square kilometres (2,500 sq mi) of land.[8] Manual labour was the sole means of construction, precluding the use of modern earth-moving equipment or technology. Earth excavated to create the inner moat was repurposed to build the external ramparts (outer walls). These walls varied in size, from shallow traces to towering structures reaching up to 20 metres (66 ft) in height. The length of the Benin Moat ranks it among the most extensive earthworks in history.[9][10]

The moats, vigilantly guarded, functioned as effective defensive lines. They exposed invaders attempting to breach the city, resulting in their capture or meeting fierce resistance by Benin soldiers.[11] The steep earth banks posed an obstacle to invaders, who risked burial in sand avalanches. The towering walls discouraged climbing, making invaders targets for Benin soldiers armed with spears and poisoned arrows.[12] The outer walls provided an additional layer of protection, effectively shielding the city. Strict access control was maintained through nine gates in the city walls.[13] The inner wall, approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) long, encircled vital areas, including the Royal Palace and chiefs' residences.[13] Beyond the inner wall lay a broad ditch, matching the wall's dimensions.[14] Access through this fortified earthwork required payment of a toll, contributing to the city's reputation for safety by subjecting visitors, including traders, to thorough scrutiny.[15][14]

The heart of Benin City's historical landscape under the Kingdom of Benin covered an area exceeding 7 square kilometres (2.7 sq mi). It included the residences of the Oba (king), nobility, and indigenous inhabitants.[16] The city's layout revolved around two perpendicular streets: the principal sacred king's palace passage extending from the palace to the east, and a cross street connecting the King's Square to Oba Market, where slaves and ivory were traded.[17] The city's various communities extended along these streets and other minor ones.[18] The Benin Moat, possibly originally over thirty-five feet in width, surrounded the city and acted as a protective barrier.[19] The moat maintained a consistent depth, an average width exceeding thirty-five to fifty feet, and a length over 13,000 miles (21,000 km).[20]

There were two distinct sections of the moat: the primary moat around the urban core and the sacred palace, and a secondary moat constructed later, encircling an area to the south.[21] These moats were complemented by a defensive wall constructed of limestone blocks. Together, the moats and walls constituted defenses.[20]