Nigeria has a rich and diverse history, with various ancient kingdoms, empires, and city-states flourishing across its regions before European colonization. Here’s an overview of Nigeria’s pre-colonial history, divided by major regions:
1. Northern Nigeria (Hausa Kingdoms, Kanem-Bornu, and Others)
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Hausa Kingdoms (7th–19th century):
The Hausa people established seven major city-states (Hausa Bakwai): Daura, Kano, Katsina, Zaria, Gobir, Rano, and Biram. These states were centers of trade, Islamic scholarship, and governance.-
Kano became a major commercial hub under Sarki Muhammad Rumfa (15th century).
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Zaria (Zazzau) was ruled by Queen Amina in the 16th century, known for her military conquests.
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Kanem-Bornu Empire (9th–19th century):
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Originated around Lake Chad, the Kanem Empire later shifted to Bornu.
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Under Mai Idris Alooma (16th century), it became a powerful Islamic state with strong military and trade networks (trans-Saharan trade).
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Sokoto Caliphate (1804–1903):
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Founded by Usman dan Fodio after a jihad against Hausa rulers.
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Became one of Africa’s largest pre-colonial states, governed by Islamic law.
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2. Southwestern Nigeria (Yoruba Kingdoms)
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Ife Kingdom (11th–15th century):
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Regarded as the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.
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Famous for its terracotta and bronze sculptures (Ife art).
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Oyo Empire (14th–19th century):
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One of the most powerful Yoruba states, known for its cavalry and political system (Alaafin as king).
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Controlled trade routes to the coast and engaged in the slave trade.
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Declined due to internal strife and Fulani invasions.
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Benin Kingdom (11th–19th century):
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Although Edo-speaking, Benin had strong ties with Yoruba states.
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Famous for its bronze plaques, ivory carvings, and walled city.
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Ruled by the Oba (king), with significant influence over trade with Europeans.
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3. Southeastern Nigeria (Igbo and Other Societies)
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Nri Kingdom (10th–20th century):
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A spiritual and political center for the Igbo people.
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The Eze Nri was a religious leader who spread cultural practices like the Iguaro (yam title) system.
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Aro Confederacy (17th–19th century):
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Dominated the slave trade through the Arochukwu oracle (Long Juju).
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Controlled trade routes between the coast and hinterlands.
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City-States (Onitsha, Aboh, etc.):
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Independent communities with republican systems (no centralized kingship).
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Trade with Europeans (especially palm oil in the 19th century).
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4. Niger Delta & Coastal Regions (City-States and Trade Hubs)
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Kalabari, Bonny, and Opobo:
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Controlled trade with Europeans (slaves, later palm oil).
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Ruled by wealthy merchant kings like Jaja of Opobo.
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Efik Kingdom (Calabar):
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Major center for the slave trade and later missionary activities.
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5. Middle Belt (Diverse Ethnic Groups)
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Jukun, Nupe, and Tiv:
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The Jukun (Kwararafa) had a powerful kingdom that rivaled Hausaland.
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The Nupe Kingdom was influenced by Islamic culture and engaged in wars with Oyo.
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European Contact & Decline of Kingdoms (15th–19th Century)
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Portuguese (1472): First Europeans to reach Nigeria (Benin, Warri).
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Slave Trade (16th–19th century): Coastal kingdoms grew wealthy but suffered from warfare.
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British Colonization (19th century): The fall of the Sokoto Caliphate and Benin in 1897 marked the end of most independent kingdoms.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s pre-colonial history was shaped by powerful empires, trade networks (trans-Saharan and Atlantic), and diverse political systems (monarchies, city-states, and republics). The British later merged these distinct regions into one colony in 1914, forming modern Nigeria.
