Contents
Behanzin
Leading Dahomey’s resistance to French colonial conquest.
Treaty with France · Military resistance
- Born
- c. 1845
- Birthplace
- Abomey, Benin
- Died
- 10 December 1906
More people
Behanzin
Béhanzin ruled the West African kingdom of Dahomey at the end of the nineteenth century. French military conquest ended his reign, and he spent his remaining years in exile.
Early life
Royal background
Was a son of King Glele and belonged to the Abomey royal dynasty.
Before accession
Was known as Kondo before taking the royal name Béhanzin.
Career
- 1890
Accession
Succeeded Glele as king amid growing conflict with France.
- 1890
First war
Fought France before accepting a treaty concerning Cotonou.
- 1892–1894
Conquest
Resisted a renewed French invasion before surrendering.
- 1894–1906
Exile
Was deported to Martinique and later moved to Algeria, where he died.
Reign and resistance
Treaty with France
Temporarily settled aspects of the dispute over French influence on the coast.
Military resistance
Directed resistance to the army advancing on Abomey.
Abomey court
Represented the final independent phase of the kingdom’s royal institutions.
Beyond work
Royal emblem
The shark symbolised his kingship and appears in artworks associated with his rule.
Exiled household
Members of his family accompanied him during exile in Martinique.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Fondation Zinsou: Béhanzin ↗Conquest and exile ↗Photo: Alexandre d'Albéca. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
