The Royal Palaces of Abomey

THE ROYAL PALACES OF ABOMEY (Benin, Africa)

Sited on 100 acres at Abomey, Benin, they were once the royal complex of the ancient West African Kingdom of Dahomey. Founded in 1625 by the Fon people, the empire traded with Europeans on the Slave Coast, selling them prisoners of war until the late 19th century. The twelve palaces once accommodated up to 8,000 people.

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(Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons; CTTO)