Language/Fon/Culture/Benin-Timeline - Revision history

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2023-03-27T12:02:51Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 14:02, 27 March 2023
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	<div ~~style~~="~~font-size:300%~~">Historical Timeline for Benin</div>		<div class="pg_page_title">Historical Timeline for Benin</div>
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	<div style="float:right">		<div style="float:right">
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	The history of the Republic of Benin is often mistaken for the history of the Kingdom of Benin, which was located in present-day Nigeria (Ifé) and has remained famous for its bronze sculptures (Benin bronzes). But the history of present-day Benin is no less rich. If the kings of Abomey occupy an important place there because of the slave trade, we must not neglect the history of other peoples such as the Fon or the Adja. Relations within this space have sometimes been conflicting, but the national unity of Benin, as formerly of Dahomey, is relatively well preserved.		The history of the Republic of Benin is often mistaken for the history of the Kingdom of Benin, which was located in present-day Nigeria (Ifé) and has remained famous for its bronze sculptures (Benin bronzes). But the history of present-day Benin is no less rich. If the kings of Abomey occupy an important place there because of the slave trade, we must not neglect the history of other peoples such as the Fon or the Adja. Relations within this space have sometimes been conflicting, but the national unity of Benin, as formerly of Dahomey, is relatively well preserved.

			<span link>Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson:</span> [[Language/Fon/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be\|How to Use "Be"]].
	==Population of Benin==		==Population of Benin==

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	{{Timeline-world}}		{{Timeline-world}}
			<span links></span>

Vincent at 16:11, 2 January 2022

2022-01-02T16:11:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 2 January 2022
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	[[File:Benin-Timeline-PolyglotClub.png\|thumb\|none]]		[[File:Benin-Timeline-PolyglotClub.png\|thumb\|none]]
	~~----~~
	</center>		</center>
	~~{{Timeline-world}}~~
	</div>		</div>

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	* July 28, 2016 ⇒ Death of Emile Derlin-Zinsou, former president of the Republic of Dahomey between 1968 and 1969.		* July 28, 2016 ⇒ Death of Emile Derlin-Zinsou, former president of the Republic of Dahomey between 1968 and 1969.
	* June 1, 2018 ⇒ The W-Arly-Pendjari complex, straddling Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.		* June 1, 2018 ⇒ The W-Arly-Pendjari complex, straddling Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

			{{Timeline-world}}

Vincent at 20:20, 7 December 2021

2021-12-07T20:20:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:20, 7 December 2021
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	<div style="font-size:300%">Historical Timeline for Benin</div>		<div style="font-size:300%">Historical Timeline for Benin</div>
			__TOC__
	<div style="float:right">		<div style="float:right">
	<center>		<center>
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	===The pre-colonial period===		===The pre-colonial period===
	* Around the 10th and 11th centuries> foundation of Ifé in Nigeria by the Yoruba.		* Around the 10th and 11th centuries ⇒ foundation of Ifé in Nigeria by the Yoruba.
	* 1471 and 1536> first European incursions on the coasts of Dahomey.		* 1471 and 1536 ⇒ first European incursions on the coasts of Dahomey.
	* End of the 15th century> creation of the Yoruba kingdom of Kétou.		* End of the 15th century ⇒ creation of the Yoruba kingdom of Kétou.
	* 16th century> arrival of the Bariba in Benin; Séro Sykia founds Nikki.		* 16th century ⇒ arrival of the Bariba in Benin; Séro Sykia founds Nikki.
	* End of the 16th century> the Agasuvi (Adja) clan left Tado (Togo) and migrated to the east where they founded Allada (1575).		* End of the 16th century ⇒ the Agasuvi (Adja) clan left Tado (Togo) and migrated to the east where they founded Allada (1575).
	* 1650-1680> reign of Houégbadja, founder of the kingdom of Abomey.		* 1650-1680 ⇒ reign of Houégbadja, founder of the kingdom of Abomey.
	* 1721> construction of the Portuguese fort of Ouidah.		* 1721 ⇒ construction of the Portuguese fort of Ouidah.
	* 1727> Agadja, king of Abomey, opens access to the coast with the capture of Allada and Ouidah. Control of the kingdom of Abomey on the slave trade.		* 1727 ⇒ Agadja, king of Abomey, opens access to the coast with the capture of Allada and Ouidah. Control of the kingdom of Abomey on the slave trade.
	* 1803> suppression of the slave trade by Denmark.		* 1803 ⇒ suppression of the slave trade by Denmark.
	* 1818-1858> reign of King Guézo in Abomey. The palm oil trade is gradually replacing the slave trade.		* 1818-1858 ⇒ reign of King Guézo in Abomey. The palm oil trade is gradually replacing the slave trade.
	* 1820-1835> return and installation of the "Brazilians", freed slaves who return to Africa.		* 1820-1835 ⇒ return and installation of the "Brazilians", freed slaves who return to Africa.
	* 1858-1889> reign of Glélé in Abomey.		* 1858-1889 ⇒ reign of Glélé in Abomey.
	* 1874-1908> reign of Toffa in Porto-Novo.		* 1874-1908 ⇒ reign of Toffa in Porto-Novo.
	* 1889> Béhanzin becomes king of Abomey.		* 1889 ⇒ Béhanzin becomes king of Abomey.
	* 1890> second Berlin conference on the abolition of slavery in Africa.		* 1890 ⇒ second Berlin conference on the abolition of slavery in Africa.
	* 1882> Porto-Novo placed under French protectorate.		* 1882 ⇒ Porto-Novo placed under French protectorate.

	===The colonial period===		===The colonial period===
	* 1892> start of the Battle of Abomey.		* 1892 ⇒ start of the Battle of Abomey.
	* 1894> surrender to Goho of Béhanzin and creation of the colony of Dahomey and outbuildings under the governorate of Victor Ballot.		* 1894 ⇒ surrender to Goho of Béhanzin and creation of the colony of Dahomey and outbuildings under the governorate of Victor Ballot.
	* 1898> delimitation of the borders between Dahomey and Nigeria with England.		* 1898 ⇒ delimitation of the borders between Dahomey and Nigeria with England.
	* 1897> bariba insurrection in Borgou.		* 1897 ⇒ bariba insurrection in Borgou.
	* 1904> attachment of the colony to the AOF.		* 1904 ⇒ attachment of the colony to the AOF.
	* 1906> death of King Béhanzin in Algiers.		* 1906 ⇒ death of King Béhanzin in Algiers.
	* 1915-1919> new insurrection in Borgou and Atakora.		* 1915-1919 ⇒ new insurrection in Borgou and Atakora.
	* 1919> annexation of Togo.		* 1919 ⇒ annexation of Togo.
	* 1943> Brazzaville conference.		* 1943 ⇒ Brazzaville conference.
	* 1956> Defferre framework law, development of legal political action in Dahomey.		* 1956 ⇒ Defferre framework law, development of legal political action in Dahomey.

	===Independence===		===Independence===
	* December 4, 1958> creation of the Republic of Dahomey.		* December 4, 1958 ⇒ creation of the Republic of Dahomey.
	* August 1, 1960> independence of Dahomey.		* August 1, 1960 ⇒ independence of Dahomey.
	* July 31, 1961> departure of the last Portuguese from Ouidah.		* July 31, 1961 ⇒ departure of the last Portuguese from Ouidah.
	* 1961-1972> period of unrest and political instability marked by several coups d'état.		* 1961-1972 ⇒ period of unrest and political instability marked by several coups d'état.
	* October 26, 1972> military coup d'etat, seizure of power by Mathieu Kérékou.		* October 26, 1972 ⇒ military coup d'etat, seizure of power by Mathieu Kérékou.
	* November 30, 1975> proclamation of the People's Republic of Benin, which follows the adoption of the Marxist-Leninist doctrine.		* November 30, 1975 ⇒ proclamation of the People's Republic of Benin, which follows the adoption of the Marxist-Leninist doctrine.
	* August 26, 1977> adoption of the Basic Law.		* August 26, 1977 ⇒ adoption of the Basic Law.
	* 19-28 February 1990> National Conference held in Cotonou.		* 19-28 February 1990 ⇒ National Conference held in Cotonou.
	* February 27, 1990> repeal of the 1977 Constitution.		* February 27, 1990 ⇒ repeal of the 1977 Constitution.
	* March 12, 1990> Nicéphore Soglo becomes head of the transitional government.		* March 12, 1990 ⇒ Nicéphore Soglo becomes head of the transitional government.
	* December 2, 1990> the new Constitution of Benin is adopted by referendum.		* December 2, 1990 ⇒ the new Constitution of Benin is adopted by referendum.
	* March 24, 1991> election of Nicéphore Soglo as President.		* March 24, 1991 ⇒ election of Nicéphore Soglo as President.
	* April 1996> election of Mathieu Kérékou as president.		* April 1996 ⇒ election of Mathieu Kérékou as president.
	* March 22, 2001> re-election of Mathieu Kérékou as President.		* March 22, 2001 ⇒ re-election of Mathieu Kérékou as President.
	* March 2006> election of Yayi Boni as president.		* March 2006 ⇒ election of Yayi Boni as president.
	* March 31, 2007> the legislative elections see the victory of the Force Cauris pour un Bénin Emergent (FCBE).		* March 31, 2007 ⇒ the legislative elections see the victory of the Force Cauris pour un Bénin Emergent (FCBE).
	* March 13, 2011> Yayi Boni was reelected in the first round of the presidential election, winning 53.14% of the vote. As provided for by the Constitution, this will be his second and last term.		* March 13, 2011 ⇒ Yayi Boni was reelected in the first round of the presidential election, winning 53.14% of the vote. As provided for by the Constitution, this will be his second and last term.
	* October 14, 2015> Death of Mathieu Kérékou, president of the Republic of Dahomey then of the People's Republic of Benin (from 1972 to 1990) and finally of the Republic of Benin (from 1996 to 2006).		* October 14, 2015 ⇒ Death of Mathieu Kérékou, president of the Republic of Dahomey then of the People's Republic of Benin (from 1972 to 1990) and finally of the Republic of Benin (from 1996 to 2006).
	* March 20, 2016> The opponent Patrice Talon is elected President of the Republic against the outgoing Prime Minister (and candidate supported by the future ex-president Yayi Boni) Lionel Zinsou.		* March 20, 2016 ⇒ The opponent Patrice Talon is elected President of the Republic against the outgoing Prime Minister (and candidate supported by the future ex-president Yayi Boni) Lionel Zinsou.
	* April 6, 2016> Patrice Talon is officially invested President of the Republic in Porto-Novo.		* April 6, 2016 ⇒ Patrice Talon is officially invested President of the Republic in Porto-Novo.
	* July 28, 2016> Death of Emile Derlin-Zinsou, former president of the Republic of Dahomey between 1968 and 1969.		* July 28, 2016 ⇒ Death of Emile Derlin-Zinsou, former president of the Republic of Dahomey between 1968 and 1969.
	* June 1, 2018> The W-Arly-Pendjari complex, straddling Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.		* June 1, 2018 ⇒ The W-Arly-Pendjari complex, straddling Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vincent at 20:19, 7 December 2021

2021-12-07T20:19:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:19, 7 December 2021
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	===The pre-colonial period===		===The pre-colonial period===
			* Around the 10th and 11th centuries> foundation of Ifé in Nigeria by the Yoruba.
	Around the 10th and 11th centuries> foundation of Ifé in Nigeria by the Yoruba.		* 1471 and 1536> first European incursions on the coasts of Dahomey.
			* End of the 15th century> creation of the Yoruba kingdom of Kétou.
	1471 and 1536> first European incursions on the coasts of Dahomey.		* 16th century> arrival of the Bariba in Benin; Séro Sykia founds Nikki.
			* End of the 16th century> the Agasuvi (Adja) clan left Tado (Togo) and migrated to the east where they founded Allada (1575).
	End of the 15th century> creation of the Yoruba kingdom of Kétou.		* 1650-1680> reign of Houégbadja, founder of the kingdom of Abomey.
			* 1721> construction of the Portuguese fort of Ouidah.
	16th century> arrival of the Bariba in Benin; Séro Sykia founds Nikki.		* 1727> Agadja, king of Abomey, opens access to the coast with the capture of Allada and Ouidah. Control of the kingdom of Abomey on the slave trade.
			* 1803> suppression of the slave trade by Denmark.
	End of the 16th century> the Agasuvi (Adja) clan left Tado (Togo) and migrated to the east where they founded Allada (1575).		* 1818-1858> reign of King Guézo in Abomey. The palm oil trade is gradually replacing the slave trade.
			* 1820-1835> return and installation of the "Brazilians", freed slaves who return to Africa.
	1650-1680> reign of Houégbadja, founder of the kingdom of Abomey.		* 1858-1889> reign of Glélé in Abomey.
			* 1874-1908> reign of Toffa in Porto-Novo.
	1721> construction of the Portuguese fort of Ouidah.		* 1889> Béhanzin becomes king of Abomey.
			* 1890> second Berlin conference on the abolition of slavery in Africa.
	1727> Agadja, king of Abomey, opens access to the coast with the capture of Allada and Ouidah. Control of the kingdom of Abomey on the slave trade.		* 1882> Porto-Novo placed under French protectorate.

	1803> suppression of the slave trade by Denmark.

	1818-1858> reign of King Guézo in Abomey. The palm oil trade is gradually replacing the slave trade.

	1820-1835> return and installation of the "Brazilians", freed slaves who return to Africa.

	1858-1889> reign of Glélé in Abomey.

	1874-1908> reign of Toffa in Porto-Novo.

	1889> Béhanzin becomes king of Abomey.

	1890> second Berlin conference on the abolition of slavery in Africa.

	1882> Porto-Novo placed under French protectorate.

	===The colonial period===		===The colonial period===
			* 1892> start of the Battle of Abomey.
	1892> start of the Battle of Abomey.		* 1894> surrender to Goho of Béhanzin and creation of the colony of Dahomey and outbuildings under the governorate of Victor Ballot.
			* 1898> delimitation of the borders between Dahomey and Nigeria with England.
	1894> surrender to Goho of Béhanzin and creation of the colony of Dahomey and outbuildings under the governorate of Victor Ballot.		* 1897> bariba insurrection in Borgou.
			* 1904> attachment of the colony to the AOF.
	1898> delimitation of the borders between Dahomey and Nigeria with England.		* 1906> death of King Béhanzin in Algiers.
			* 1915-1919> new insurrection in Borgou and Atakora.
	1897> bariba insurrection in Borgou.		* 1919> annexation of Togo.
			* 1943> Brazzaville conference.
	1904> attachment of the colony to the AOF.		* 1956> Defferre framework law, development of legal political action in Dahomey.

	1906> death of King Béhanzin in Algiers.

	1915-1919> new insurrection in Borgou and Atakora.

	1919> annexation of Togo.

	1943> Brazzaville conference.

	1956> Defferre framework law, development of legal political action in Dahomey.

	===Independence===		===Independence===
			* December 4, 1958> creation of the Republic of Dahomey.
	December 4, 1958> creation of the Republic of Dahomey.		* August 1, 1960> independence of Dahomey.
			* July 31, 1961> departure of the last Portuguese from Ouidah.
	August 1, 1960> independence of Dahomey.		* 1961-1972> period of unrest and political instability marked by several coups d'état.
			* October 26, 1972> military coup d'etat, seizure of power by Mathieu Kérékou.
	July 31, 1961> departure of the last Portuguese from Ouidah.		* November 30, 1975> proclamation of the People's Republic of Benin, which follows the adoption of the Marxist-Leninist doctrine.
			* August 26, 1977> adoption of the Basic Law.
	1961-1972> period of unrest and political instability marked by several coups d'état.		* 19-28 February 1990> National Conference held in Cotonou.
			* February 27, 1990> repeal of the 1977 Constitution.
	October 26, 1972> military coup d'etat, seizure of power by Mathieu Kérékou.		* March 12, 1990> Nicéphore Soglo becomes head of the transitional government.
			* December 2, 1990> the new Constitution of Benin is adopted by referendum.
	November 30, 1975> proclamation of the People's Republic of Benin, which follows the adoption of the Marxist-Leninist doctrine.		* March 24, 1991> election of Nicéphore Soglo as President.
			* April 1996> election of Mathieu Kérékou as president.
	August 26, 1977> adoption of the Basic Law.		* March 22, 2001> re-election of Mathieu Kérékou as President.
			* March 2006> election of Yayi Boni as president.
	19-28 February 1990> National Conference held in Cotonou.		* March 31, 2007> the legislative elections see the victory of the Force Cauris pour un Bénin Emergent (FCBE).
			* March 13, 2011> Yayi Boni was reelected in the first round of the presidential election, winning 53.14% of the vote. As provided for by the Constitution, this will be his second and last term.
	February 27, 1990> repeal of the 1977 Constitution.		* October 14, 2015> Death of Mathieu Kérékou, president of the Republic of Dahomey then of the People's Republic of Benin (from 1972 to 1990) and finally of the Republic of Benin (from 1996 to 2006).
			* March 20, 2016> The opponent Patrice Talon is elected President of the Republic against the outgoing Prime Minister (and candidate supported by the future ex-president Yayi Boni) Lionel Zinsou.
	March 12, 1990> Nicéphore Soglo becomes head of the transitional government.		* April 6, 2016> Patrice Talon is officially invested President of the Republic in Porto-Novo.
			* July 28, 2016> Death of Emile Derlin-Zinsou, former president of the Republic of Dahomey between 1968 and 1969.
	December 2, 1990> the new Constitution of Benin is adopted by referendum.		* June 1, 2018> The W-Arly-Pendjari complex, straddling Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

	March 24, 1991> election of Nicéphore Soglo as President.

	April 1996> election of Mathieu Kérékou as president.

	March 22, 2001> re-election of Mathieu Kérékou as President.

	March 2006> election of Yayi Boni as president.

	March 31, 2007> the legislative elections see the victory of the Force Cauris pour un Bénin Emergent (FCBE).

	March 13, 2011> Yayi Boni was reelected in the first round of the presidential election, winning 53.14% of the vote. As provided for by the Constitution, this will be his second and last term.

	October 14, 2015> Death of Mathieu Kérékou, president of the Republic of Dahomey then of the People's Republic of Benin (from 1972 to 1990) and finally of the Republic of Benin (from 1996 to 2006).

	March 20, 2016> The opponent Patrice Talon is elected President of the Republic against the outgoing Prime Minister (and candidate supported by the future ex-president Yayi Boni) Lionel Zinsou.

	April 6, 2016> Patrice Talon is officially invested President of the Republic in Porto-Novo.

	July 28, 2016> Death of Emile Derlin-Zinsou, former president of the Republic of Dahomey between 1968 and 1969.

	June 1, 2018> The W-Arly-Pendjari complex, straddling Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Vincent at 20:18, 7 December 2021

2021-12-07T20:18:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:18, 7 December 2021
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	Benin ~~Guide~~: ~~History~~		<div style="font-size:300%">Historical Timeline for Benin</div>
			<div style="float:right">
			<center>
			[[File:Benin-Timeline-PolyglotClub.png\|thumb\|none]]
			----
			</center>
			{{Timeline-world}}
			</div>


	The history of the Republic of Benin is often mistaken for the history of the Kingdom of Benin, which was located in present-day Nigeria (Ifé) and has remained famous for its bronze sculptures (Benin bronzes). But the history of present-day Benin is no less rich. If the kings of Abomey occupy an important place there because of the slave trade, we must not neglect the history of other peoples such as the Fon or the Adja. Relations within this space have sometimes been conflicting, but the national unity of Benin, as formerly of Dahomey, is relatively well preserved.		The history of the Republic of Benin is often mistaken for the history of the Kingdom of Benin, which was located in present-day Nigeria (Ifé) and has remained famous for its bronze sculptures (Benin bronzes). But the history of present-day Benin is no less rich. If the kings of Abomey occupy an important place there because of the slave trade, we must not neglect the history of other peoples such as the Fon or the Adja. Relations within this space have sometimes been conflicting, but the national unity of Benin, as formerly of Dahomey, is relatively well preserved.

	Population of Benin		==Population of Benin==

	The settlement of Benin took place in several phases and over several centuries. Among the peoples who settled in Benin, three groups played a central role in the history of the country. In the South up to the latitude of Abomey, it is the Adja, originally from Togo, who founded the powerful kingdoms of Allada (1575), Abomey (1645) and Porto-Novo (1688). The Yoruba, originally from present-day Nigeria, settled in the south-east and the center of the country. Coming in successive waves since the 12th century (and probably long before in smaller groups), they created the kingdoms of Savé (before 1550) and of Kétou in particular. Finally the Bariba, riders from Nigeria (Busa), invaded Borgou, about 500 years ago, and mainly populated the North-East of Benin. Less numerous, the Dendi are mainly concentrated in the north-west of the country, while the Fulani (or Peuls) are found in the north and the Bétamaribé, commonly called Somba, inhabit the Atakora mountains.		The settlement of Benin took place in several phases and over several centuries. Among the peoples who settled in Benin, three groups played a central role in the history of the country. In the South up to the latitude of Abomey, it is the Adja, originally from Togo, who founded the powerful kingdoms of Allada (1575), Abomey (1645) and Porto-Novo (1688). The Yoruba, originally from present-day Nigeria, settled in the south-east and the center of the country. Coming in successive waves since the 12th century (and probably long before in smaller groups), they created the kingdoms of Savé (before 1550) and of Kétou in particular. Finally the Bariba, riders from Nigeria (Busa), invaded Borgou, about 500 years ago, and mainly populated the North-East of Benin. Less numerous, the Dendi are mainly concentrated in the north-west of the country, while the Fulani (or Peuls) are found in the north and the Bétamaribé, commonly called Somba, inhabit the Atakora mountains.

	Chronology		==Chronology==

	Prehistory		===Prehistory===

	Human presence attested by excavations in the northwest of Benin.		Human presence attested by excavations in the northwest of Benin.

	The pre-colonial period		===The pre-colonial period===

	Around the 10th and 11th centuries> foundation of Ifé in Nigeria by the Yoruba.		Around the 10th and 11th centuries> foundation of Ifé in Nigeria by the Yoruba.
Line 47:		Line 55:
	1882> Porto-Novo placed under French protectorate.		1882> Porto-Novo placed under French protectorate.

	The colonial period		===The colonial period===

	1892> start of the Battle of Abomey.		1892> start of the Battle of Abomey.
Line 69:		Line 77:
	1956> Defferre framework law, development of legal political action in Dahomey.		1956> Defferre framework law, development of legal political action in Dahomey.

	Independence		===Independence===

	December 4, 1958> creation of the Republic of Dahomey.		December 4, 1958> creation of the Republic of Dahomey.

Vincent: Created page with "Benin Guide: History The history of the Republic of Benin is often mistaken for the history of the Kingdom of Benin, which was located in present-day Nigeria (Ifé) and has r..."

2021-12-07T20:16:40Z

Created page with "Benin Guide: History The history of the Republic of Benin is often mistaken for the history of the Kingdom of Benin, which was located in present-day Nigeria (Ifé) and has r..."

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Benin Guide: History

The history of the Republic of Benin is often mistaken for the history of the Kingdom of Benin, which was located in present-day Nigeria (Ifé) and has remained famous for its bronze sculptures (Benin bronzes). But the history of present-day Benin is no less rich. If the kings of Abomey occupy an important place there because of the slave trade, we must not neglect the history of other peoples such as the Fon or the Adja. Relations within this space have sometimes been conflicting, but the national unity of Benin, as formerly of Dahomey, is relatively well preserved.

Population of Benin

The settlement of Benin took place in several phases and over several centuries. Among the peoples who settled in Benin, three groups played a central role in the history of the country. In the South up to the latitude of Abomey, it is the Adja, originally from Togo, who founded the powerful kingdoms of Allada (1575), Abomey (1645) and Porto-Novo (1688). The Yoruba, originally from present-day Nigeria, settled in the south-east and the center of the country. Coming in successive waves since the 12th century (and probably long before in smaller groups), they created the kingdoms of Savé (before 1550) and of Kétou in particular. Finally the Bariba, riders from Nigeria (Busa), invaded Borgou, about 500 years ago, and mainly populated the North-East of Benin. Less numerous, the Dendi are mainly concentrated in the north-west of the country, while the Fulani (or Peuls) are found in the north and the Bétamaribé, commonly called Somba, inhabit the Atakora mountains.

Chronology

Prehistory

Human presence attested by excavations in the northwest of Benin.

The pre-colonial period

Around the 10th and 11th centuries> foundation of Ifé in Nigeria by the Yoruba.

1471 and 1536> first European incursions on the coasts of Dahomey.

End of the 15th century> creation of the Yoruba kingdom of Kétou.

16th century> arrival of the Bariba in Benin; Séro Sykia founds Nikki.

End of the 16th century> the Agasuvi (Adja) clan left Tado (Togo) and migrated to the east where they founded Allada (1575).

1650-1680> reign of Houégbadja, founder of the kingdom of Abomey.

1721> construction of the Portuguese fort of Ouidah.

1727> Agadja, king of Abomey, opens access to the coast with the capture of Allada and Ouidah. Control of the kingdom of Abomey on the slave trade.

1803> suppression of the slave trade by Denmark.

1818-1858> reign of King Guézo in Abomey. The palm oil trade is gradually replacing the slave trade.

1820-1835> return and installation of the "Brazilians", freed slaves who return to Africa.

1858-1889> reign of Glélé in Abomey.

1874-1908> reign of Toffa in Porto-Novo.

1889> Béhanzin becomes king of Abomey.

1890> second Berlin conference on the abolition of slavery in Africa.

1882> Porto-Novo placed under French protectorate.

The colonial period

1892> start of the Battle of Abomey.

1894> surrender to Goho of Béhanzin and creation of the colony of Dahomey and outbuildings under the governorate of Victor Ballot.

1898> delimitation of the borders between Dahomey and Nigeria with England.

1897> bariba insurrection in Borgou.

1904> attachment of the colony to the AOF.

1906> death of King Béhanzin in Algiers.

1915-1919> new insurrection in Borgou and Atakora.

1919> annexation of Togo.

1943> Brazzaville conference.

1956> Defferre framework law, development of legal political action in Dahomey.

Independence

December 4, 1958> creation of the Republic of Dahomey.

August 1, 1960> independence of Dahomey.

July 31, 1961> departure of the last Portuguese from Ouidah.

1961-1972> period of unrest and political instability marked by several coups d'état.

October 26, 1972> military coup d'etat, seizure of power by Mathieu Kérékou.

November 30, 1975> proclamation of the People's Republic of Benin, which follows the adoption of the Marxist-Leninist doctrine.

August 26, 1977> adoption of the Basic Law.

19-28 February 1990> National Conference held in Cotonou.

February 27, 1990> repeal of the 1977 Constitution.

March 12, 1990> Nicéphore Soglo becomes head of the transitional government.

December 2, 1990> the new Constitution of Benin is adopted by referendum.

March 24, 1991> election of Nicéphore Soglo as President.

April 1996> election of Mathieu Kérékou as president.

March 22, 2001> re-election of Mathieu Kérékou as President.

March 2006> election of Yayi Boni as president.

March 31, 2007> the legislative elections see the victory of the Force Cauris pour un Bénin Emergent (FCBE).

March 13, 2011> Yayi Boni was reelected in the first round of the presidential election, winning 53.14% of the vote. As provided for by the Constitution, this will be his second and last term.

October 14, 2015> Death of Mathieu Kérékou, president of the Republic of Dahomey then of the People's Republic of Benin (from 1972 to 1990) and finally of the Republic of Benin (from 1996 to 2006).

March 20, 2016> The opponent Patrice Talon is elected President of the Republic against the outgoing Prime Minister (and candidate supported by the future ex-president Yayi Boni) Lionel Zinsou.

April 6, 2016> Patrice Talon is officially invested President of the Republic in Porto-Novo.

July 28, 2016> Death of Emile Derlin-Zinsou, former president of the Republic of Dahomey between 1968 and 1969.

June 1, 2018> The W-Arly-Pendjari complex, straddling Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.