Dahomey: The Land of Amazons and Human Sacrifices
Dahomey, the small but mighty kingdom located in modern-day Benin, was known for many unique things, including its fierce Amazon warriors and unusual methods of human sacrifices. This vibrant and colorful land was truly one of a kind!
Amazons: Ladies who don’t play nice
Dahomey was home to the fierce and fearless warrior women from the Fon tribe, who were better known as the “Amazons.” These extraordinary women served as the king’s personal bodyguards and were well-trained in the art of warfare.
They were not to be trifled with, as the mere sight of these women could petrify even the strongest of men. The Dahomey Amazons were experts in hand-to-hand combat, archery, and even performed acrobatics, all while wearing colorful and fashionable clothing.
It was believed that over 6,000 women served in the Amazon army at its peak, which was basically half of Dahomey’s entire military force. Now that’s girl power!
Human Sacrifice: Just another day in Dahomey
If you thought that the Dahomey warriors were brutal, then nothing could prepare you for their gruesome tradition of human sacrifice. The Dahomey people believed that these sacrifices would appease the gods and bring them good fortune.
While they favored offering prisoners of war, as a sign of respect and honor for these sacrifices, sometimes even their own people became victim to this dark practice.
But don’t worry; they didn’t kill just anyone! There was a strict selection process that required the person to be deemed physically and spiritually perfect before being sacrificed. How considerate.
Legacy of Dahomey
Despite its ruthless reputation, Dahomey was also known for its impressive architecture, intricate woodcarving, and colorful fabrics. They were trailblazers in trading, thanks to their positioning on the sea coast and their access to the large African interior.
The kingdom of Dahomey finally came to an end in the late 1800s when it was conquered by the French. The remnants of Dahomey can now be found in the rich cultural heritage of the Fon people, living on in the history books, and the imagination of anyone with a sense of humor.
Fun Facts
The Dahomey Amazons played a vital role in Dahomey’s economy, as they were employed as porters, and even brewed and sold beer.
The Fon language, spoken by the Dahomey people, served as the inspiration for the Klingon language used in Star Trek.
King Ghezo, who ruled Dahomey from 1818 to 1858, ordered that his palace be built with stones in the shape of human skulls, just to show how much he loved/hated human anatomy.
In conclusion, Dahomey may be gone, but it’s certainly not forgotten. Its colorful history and unique traditions still leave us in awe, and make us wonder what else the people of Dahomey would have come up with if they were still around today.