Abomey – A vanished kingdom
For 300 years, from the early 17th century Abomey served as the capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey. It was established by the Fon people who were the dominant ethnic group at that time. Today the dozen structures that make up this open air museum is one of the most important sites in Africa and in 1985 it became a World Heritage site.
The royal kingdom was ruled by 12 successive kings each of whom conquered neighbouring states, consequently expanding their empire. Curiously enough they were known for their military prowess with the elite of their armies made up of female warriors.
Much of the kingdom’s wealth, especially in the 18th and 19th century was built around the slave trade. and it’s easy to imagine when you see the large expansive open spaces, especially after a downpour thousands of captured and terrified slaves. Their main trading partners were the Europeans and Brazil.
On another rather gruesome note the kings of Dahomey were believed to be descendants of panthers and were not only absolute monarchs, but played a huge religious role in their kingdom. To further establish the kings absolute rule human sacrifices were performed and European visitors often reported seeing the heads of slain enemies within the compound.
In November 1892 the Kingdoms last ruler Behazen was defeated by the French colonial forces. As a final act of defiance he set fire to Abomey and fled northward, The town was rebuilt by the French colonial administration and it was connected to the coast by a railroad.
Today it’s easy to visit the palace. Usually you will, for a small amount be allocated a guide basically on a tips only basis. Be warned that most of the tour is in French. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take ma photos which was a bit annoying.
on a more practicle note Abomey is about 60 kms from Cotonou. Its easy to get here by bush taxi.