Didn’t the Boulevard du Dahomey sound exotic? This boulevard echoes with tales of a West African kingdom. It stood from around 1600 to 1904. Let’s journey back in time to understand its namesake.
The Kingdom of Dahomey thrived in what is now Benin. It rose to power among the Fon people. They lived on the Abomey Plateau. Dahomey became a regional force by the 18th century. It expanded south and conquered key cities. Whydah was one such city. Its capture gave Dahomey access to the Atlantic slave trade.
Dahomey became a key regional state in the mid-19th century. This was after it ended its tributary status to the Oyo Empire. European visitors wrote extensively about Dahomey. It became one of the most familiar African nations to them. The kingdom had an organized economy. It was built on conquest and slave labor. Dahomey also had significant international trade. It maintained diplomatic relations with Europeans. The kingdom featured a centralized administration. It had taxation systems and an organized military.
Artwork flourished in Dahomey. An all-female military unit existed. Europeans called them the Dahomey Amazons. Elaborate religious practices of Vodun were followed.
The growth of Dahomey coincided with the Atlantic slave trade. It became known as a major supplier of slaves. Dahomey was a militaristic society. It constantly organized for warfare. Captives were taken during wars and raids. They were sold into the Atlantic slave trade. In exchange, Dahomey received European goods. These included rifles, gunpowder and fabrics. Cowrie shells, tobacco, pipes, and alcohol were also traded. Other captives became slaves within Dahomey. They worked on royal plantations. These plantations supplied food for the army and court. Human sacrifices occurred during the Annual Customs of Dahomey.
Pressure from Britain to abolish the slave trade began in the 1840s. This led to Dahomey’s decline. The Royal Navy’s West Africa Squadron blockaded Africa. Dahomey also suffered defeats by Abeokuta. This Yoruba city-state was founded by Oyo Empire refugees. Territorial disputes with France arose. Part of the kingdom became a French protectorate. The kingdom fell in 1894. The last king, Behanzin, was overthrown. Dahomey was annexed into French West Africa.
French Dahomey gained independence in 1960. It became the Republic of Dahomey. In 1975, it was renamed the People’s Republic of Benin. Then in 1991, it became the Republic of Benin.
The Kingdom of Dahomey was known by different names. These included Danxome, Danhome, and Fon. Fon refers to the dominant ethnic group. It also refers to the language of the royal families. This is how Europe first knew the kingdom.
The name Dahomey has a story. Dakodonu was granted permission to settle. He requested more land from Chief Dan. The chief responded sarcastically. Dakodonu killed Dan. He built his palace on the spot. The kingdom’s name came from this incident. “Dan” means chief. “Xo” means belly. “Me” means inside of.
So, as you walk along Boulevard du Dahomey remember the kingdom’s story. Consider its rise and fall. Reflect on its impact on history. This street serves as a reminder. It connects Marseille to a distant but significant past.