Benin Moat

The Benin Moat, also known as the Walls of Benin or Benin Iya, is a significant archaeological site located in Benin City, Nigeria. These earthworks, constructed between 800 CE and 1460 CE, represent one of the most extensive man-made structures in history, second only to the Great Wall of China. Originating before the establishment of the Oba monarchy, the moat system was expanded and deepened by rulers such as Oba Oguola and Oba Ewuare. It served as a formidable defensive mechanism with multiple moats, ramparts, and a series of gates controlling access to the city. Although much of the original structure has been lost due to urban development, the remaining sections are crucial for understanding the socio-political and engineering capabilities of the Benin Kingdom during the Late Iron Age and Post-Classical Period.