Benin City: the stolen bronzes of a lost African kingdom

Capital of the former Kingdom of Benin, celebrated for bronze masterpieces now scattered in Western museums, Benin City still houses the Oba's palace.

The center, once heart of the ancient kingdom of Benin, is comfortably explored by shared taxi.

The Royal Palace of the Oba, seat of the traditional sovereign of the Kingdom of Benin still in office today, safeguards ceremonies and traditions spanning over a thousand years.

Just steps away, the National Museum of Benin City displays the few bronze sculptures remaining in place, after thousands were plundered by the British in 1897.

Continuing inland, one observes the remnants of the Walls of Benin, once among the largest earth ramparts in the world before their destruction.

Toward evening, Benin City's markets animate the trade in traditional craftsmanship, including modern bronzes created using ancient techniques.

The Benin Bronzes, artistic masterpieces created from the thirteenth century onward, were looted by British troops in 1897 and today are found primarily in European and American museums, the subject of international restitution requests.

The Benin Walls, according to some scholars the largest earthwork ever constructed by humans before the modern era, extended for thousands of kilometers before being largely destroyed during the colonial conquest.