What is history?
The study of past events of mankind.
What are the sources of Nigerian history?
Oral tradition; archaeology; written records; linguistics.
What are historical sciences?
Auxiliary disciplines that help historians reconstruct the past (archaeology, linguistics, anthropology).
What is archaeology?
The study of past human life through material remains.
What is oral tradition?
Information passed by word of mouth from generation to generation.
What is written history?
Recorded historical information in written form.
What is linguistics in history?
Study of languages to trace origins and migrations.
What are the major Nigerian ancient cultures?
Ife; Benin; Igbo-Ukwu.
What is Ife known for?
Naturalistic bronze and terracotta heads.
What is Benin known for?
Bronze and brass artworks and ivory carving.
What is Igbo-Ukwu known for?
Advanced bronze works and beads.
What is the Yoruba creation story?
Oduduwa is regarded as the ancestor of the Yoruba people.
Who was the first Alaafin of Oyo?
Oranmiyan.
What was the Oyo political system?
Monarchical with checks and balances.
Who were the Oyo kingmakers?
Oyo Mesi.
Who led the Oyo Mesi?
Bashorun.
What was the role of the Aremo?
Crown prince; could not succeed immediately to avoid tyranny.
What was the Bere festival?
Annual festival during which the Alaafin renewed authority.
What were the early rulers of Benin called?
Ogiso.
Who founded the Eweka dynasty?
Eweka I.
What was the Benin political system?
Monarchical with Oba as head.
What were the palace chiefs of Benin called?
Eghaevbo n’Ogbe.
Name the three palace chief groups in Benin
Iwebot (led by Iwanque); Iweguae (led by Esere); Ibiwe (led by Oshodin).
What were the town chiefs of Benin called?
Eghaevbo n’Ore.
