À partir de Xᵉ siècle
Southwestern Nigeria, west of the Niger River
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
Yorubaland was a Yoruba cultural and political region that developed in southwestern Nigeria during the early second millennium. Agricultural villages combined under chiefs, whose lineage became a monarchy associated with Oduduwa and the dynasty of Ife. Ife served as the kingdom’s political center and a major trading city before Oyo and Benin gained prominence.
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Le récit
Yorubaland lay west of the Niger River in southwestern Nigeria. During the early second millennium, diverse communities in the area combined to form a shared language and culture that became the foundation of modern Yoruba identity. Agricultural villages increasingly came under common chiefly leadership, creating the political conditions for a regional monarchy.
The ruling family claimed descent from Oduduwa, regarded in Yoruba tradition as the creator of the earth and founder of Ife, the region’s most important city. Ife became both the seat of political power and a major commercial center. The king derived revenue by taxing trade and also received offerings in his role as religious head.
Over subsequent centuries, Ife’s economic and political influence declined while Oyo and Benin rose as more important trade centers. Both retained traditions of descent from Oduduwa and the Ife dynasty. Oyo developed a monarchy supported by a strong military, illustrating the continuing connection between Yoruba political authority, dynastic legitimacy, commerce, and armed power.
À partir de Xᵉ siècle
Southwestern Nigeria, west of the Niger River
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
Yorubaland was a Yoruba cultural and political region that developed in southwestern Nigeria during the early second millennium. Agricultural villages combined under chiefs, whose lineage became a monarchy associated with Oduduwa and the dynasty of Ife. Ife served as the kingdom’s political center and a major trading city before Oyo and Benin gained prominence.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
Yorubaland lay west of the Niger River in southwestern Nigeria. During the early second millennium, diverse communities in the area combined to form a shared language and culture that became the foundation of modern Yoruba identity. Agricultural villages increasingly came under common chiefly leadership, creating the political conditions for a regional monarchy.
The ruling family claimed descent from Oduduwa, regarded in Yoruba tradition as the creator of the earth and founder of Ife, the region’s most important city. Ife became both the seat of political power and a major commercial center. The king derived revenue by taxing trade and also received offerings in his role as religious head.
Over subsequent centuries, Ife’s economic and political influence declined while Oyo and Benin rose as more important trade centers. Both retained traditions of descent from Oduduwa and the Ife dynasty. Oyo developed a monarchy supported by a strong military, illustrating the continuing connection between Yoruba political authority, dynastic legitimacy, commerce, and armed power.