Between the seventh and fourteenth centuries CE, defensive earthworks, ramparts, and moats were constructed around Benin City’s perimeter. These impressive structures—ranked second only to China’s Great Wall in length among man-made structures—defined the spiritual and political heart of the Benin Kingdom.
Part of Africa’s Cultural Landmarks, a series produced by The Met in collaboration with World Monuments Fund and directed by Sosena Solomon, this documentary takes a look at one of Africa’s most significant feats of ancient urban planning.
Over time, portions of the walls have been dismantled, sections of the moats have become overgrown, and knowledge of the site's significance has diminished. With striking visual storytelling, the film documents current preservation efforts against the backdrop of rapid urban development. Meet the archeologists who are advocating for the preservation and continued study of these remarkable structures.
About the Benin City Earthworks
The Benin City walls consist of a set of inner and outer interlocking rings originally built to delineate the royal precinct of the ọ́bà, or king, from the surrounding area. Built to an original height of more than 18 meters and a length of 1,200 kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage site attests the development of urbanization and the rise of complex state societies in West Africa. These extensive lengths of ramparts and moats, broken by nine manned gates, served to delineate the capital, protect its citizens, and focus religious and cultural festivities. Encroached upon by the British in 1897, portions of the walls have gradually vanished in the process of modernization, with large segments cannibalized for the construction of new buildings. Significant stretches remain, however, enclosing red-earth shrines and other architecture.
Africa’s Cultural Landmarks is produced by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in collaboration with World Monuments Fund.
