Benin

The ancient rainforest stretching along the West African coast was home to hunter-gatherers for millennia, although there is scant evidence of early settlement. Present-day Benin lay beyond the influence of the powerful Edo/Benin civilization that emerged in the Niger Delta during the 12th century. Oral history recounts that the Aja people migrated south in the 13th century and founded Allada, which expanded to encompass Abomey and the coastal settlement of Ajashe (later named Porto-Novo by Portuguese explorers). Abomey prospered as the 16th century progressed, drawing in other ethnic groups such as the Fon and eventually forging the Kingdom of Dahomey. The dynasty expanded to the south and west, led by Te-Agdanlin, who came from a powerful family in the region and who made contact with European mariners.