Benin City: A Lost African Jewel and the Brutal Truth of Colonialism

Benin City: A Forgotten African Metropolis and the Legacy of Colonial Destruction Benin City, located in present-day Nigeria, once boasted a sophisticated urban design and infrastructure that rivaled many European cities of the time. Historical accounts and archaeological evidence suggest a thriving city with extensive walls, a complex drainage system, and meticulously planned streets. However, this advanced civilization was brutally destroyed during the British punitive expedition of 1897. "Benin City was a marvel of urban planning and architecture," states the narrator of a recent viral video highlighting the city's forgotten history. "Its walls were four times longer than the Great Wall of China." The video uses striking visuals to contrast the city's past splendor with its subsequent devastation. The British, far from admiring the city's achievements, looted its artifacts and burned much of the city to the ground, effectively erasing a significant chapter in African history. The video's powerful imagery and narrative underscore the need for a more complete and accurate understanding of African history, moving beyond the often-limited narratives presented in traditional educational settings. The destruction of Benin City serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of colonialism and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.