Abomey Collection

Entry of the French flag into Abomey, Dahomey (colour litho)
2818350 Entry of the French flag into Abomey, Dahomey (colour litho) by Meyer, Henri (1841-99) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Entry of the French flag into Abomey, Dahomey. Au Dahomey)

Behanzin, King of Dahomey (colour litho)
2818284 Behanzin, King of Dahomey (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Behanzin, King of Dahomey. Behanzin. Roi de Dahomey)

The French Operations in Dahomey, a Council of War at Abomey (engraving)
1038220 The French Operations in Dahomey, a Council of War at Abomey (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The French Operations in Dahomey)

Entry of the French Flag into Abomey (chromolitho)
667695 Entry of the French Flag into Abomey (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Entry of the French Flag into Abomey)

French troops commanded by General Alfred-Amedee Dodds attacking Abomey, Dahomey, Second Franco-Dahomean War
5998714 French troops commanded by General Alfred-Amedee Dodds attacking Abomey, Dahomey, Second Franco-Dahomean War, 1892 (coloured engraving) by French School

The palace of the King of Dahomey at Abomey 37, an African man hiding a fetish 38
6337756 The palace of the King of Dahomey at Abomey 37, an African man hiding a fetish 38, and people of Whydah worshipping a huge snake 39 by English School

FRENCH IN DAHOMEY
The French tricouleur is borne proudly into the smoking city of Abomey, Dahomey - Honneur aux braves soldats ! Vive la France ! Date: 1892

Entry of the French army into Abomey, Dahomey, Africa, 1892. Artist: Henri Meyer
Entry of the French army into Abomey, Dahomey, Africa, 1892. In November 1892, Behanzin, the last independent reigning king of Dahomey, being defeated by French colonial forces

Dahomey (modern Benin) - Ruins of Royal apartments
Dahomey (modern Benin) - The ruins of royal apartments at the Kings Palace destroyed by cannonballs at Abomey

West Africa, Benin, Abomey. Monument of King Glele of Dahomey near the Royal Palace of Abomey

Agboli-Agbo Dedjlani, Abomey, Benin, Africa

Events / Africa / Dahomey
The French tricouleur is borne proudly into the smoking city of Abomey, Dahomey - Honneur aux braves soldats ! Vive la France ! Date: 1892

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Abomey, a city in modern-day Benin, holds a significant historical importance as the capital of the Dahomey Kingdom. This West African kingdom witnessed various events that shaped its destiny and left an indelible mark on its landscape. The French in Dahomey embarked on a mission to expand their colonial empire, leading to clashes with the Dahomeian warriors. The execution of prisoners of war became a haunting reality during these conflicts, depicted vividly in engravings that capture the brutality and consequences of battle. As French troops triumphantly entered Abomey, their flag fluttered high above the city's streets. Colour lithographs immortalized this momentous occasion when foreign influence took hold within Dahomey's borders. Behanzin, King of Dahomey, emerges from history through colourful lithographs showcasing his regal presence. His reign was marked by resistance against European colonization efforts and fierce battles fought on his homeland's soil. Councils of war held at Abomey reveal strategic planning amidst adversity during French operations in Dahomey. Engravings depict military leaders gathered together to discuss tactics and navigate through uncertain times. General Alfred-Amedee Dodds led French troops into battle against Abomey during the Second Franco-Dahomian War in 1892. Coloured engravings portray intense combat scenes where soldiers clashed for control over this ancient city. Within Abomey lies remnants of royal apartments that once housed powerful monarchs who ruled over Dahomey. These ruins stand as silent witnesses to past glory and serve as reminders of a rich cultural heritage lost to time. In nearby Whydah, people worshipped a massive snake while an African man concealed sacred fetishes - glimpses into traditional religious practices intertwined with daily life throughout Benin's history. The entry of the French army into Abomey forever changed its trajectory; Africa witnessed yet another chapter written under colonial rule.