Ewuare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ewuare |
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| Oba of Benin | |
Wooden sculpture of Ewuare
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| Oba of Benin | |
| Reign | 1440–1473 |
| Predecessor | Uwaifiokun |
| Successor | Ezoti |
| Died | 1473 |
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| House | Eweka |
| Father | Ohen |
Ewuare (also known as Ewuare the Great) was a powerful king, or Oba, of the Benin Empire. He ruled from 1440 to 1473. Ewuare, whose original name was Prince Ogun, became king after a big conflict with his brother Uwaifiokun. This event caused a lot of damage to Benin City.
After becoming king, Ewuare worked hard to rebuild Benin City. He also made important changes to how the kingdom was run. He expanded the empire's land and encouraged art and special celebrations. Ewuare left a lasting mark on the Kingdom of Benin.
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How Ewuare Became King
Before Ewuare, the Oba of Benin had less power. A group of important leaders called the uzama had a lot of control. They could choose the next Oba and limit what the king could do.
Ewuare's journey to becoming king is told through old stories. He was born Prince Ogun, the third son of Oba Ohen. His father, Oba Ohen, lost his power and was removed from the throne. Later, Prince Ogun and his brother Prince Irughe were sent away from the city by their other brother, Oba Orobiru.
While he was away, Prince Ogun traveled widely. He visited many different kingdoms and learned a lot. Some stories say he gained special knowledge and even magical items during his travels.
The Story of the Magic Bag
One popular story tells that while Prince Ogun was exiled, he helped a jungle spirit. In return, he received a magic bag called Agbavboko. This bag was amazing because no matter what Ogun put into it, it always had more space. Also, he could pull out anything he wished for from the bag.
During his travels, he learned many things about magic and plants. One day, a special tree told him to go back to Benin City and become king. On his way, he helped a lion by removing a thorn from its paw. The lion gave him a magic charm that could help him create any situation he wanted.
When he arrived back in Benin City, he was surprised to see a parade for his brother Uwaifaikon. The people of the city were very poor. Prince Ogun used his magic charm to start fires in parts of the city. He then used his magic bag to get a bow and a poison arrow. He used this to defeat Uwaifaikon.
In the confusion, he hid with a slave named Edo, who had cared for him when he was young. Edo recognized him and helped him. Sadly, supporters of Uwaifaikon found Edo's house and killed him while looking for Ogun. After this, Ogun came out, gathered his supporters, and claimed his right to the throne.
Ewuare's New Name
After becoming king, Prince Ogun took the name Ewuare. This name means "the trouble has ceased." Later, people added the title Ogidigan, which means "the Great." So, he is often known as Ewuare Ogidigan or Ewuare the Great. He became king around the year 1440. To honor the slave Edo, who saved his life, Ewuare renamed the city to Edo (which is now Benin City).
Ewuare's Reign and Changes
Ewuare is seen as a very important leader who made many changes to the Benin empire. He made the Oba's power stronger, changed how kings were chosen, and created a new way to run the empire. He also greatly expanded the empire's land.
Strengthening the Oba's Power
One big change Ewuare made was reducing the power of the uzama chiefs. Before, they could choose the Oba. Ewuare changed this so that the first-born son of the Oba would automatically become the next king. This system, called primogeniture, greatly reduced the uzama's power.
To make this clear, Ewuare created the title Edaiken for the oldest son. This title showed who would be the next ruler. One story says this idea came from a situation in the city of Uselu. The chief of Uselu, Iken, was an ally of Ewuare. When another city rebelled, Iken led an army to stop it. Ewuare sent his oldest son, Kuoboyuwa, to rule Uselu while Iken was away. Iken died in the fighting without an heir, so Kuoboyuwa became the ruler. This event led to the clear rule that the oldest son would inherit the throne, with the title Edaiken.
New Government Roles
Ewuare also created two new groups of officials to help manage towns and villages. These were the Eghabho n'ore (town chiefs) and Eghabho n'ogbe (palace chiefs). These officials were directly chosen by the Oba and reported to him. They helped collect taxes, deal with legal issues, and manage the kingdom's affairs. Ewuare encouraged free citizens to work in the palace for small wages as part of these groups.
Expanding the Empire
Ewuare was very successful at taking over many cities and towns. He personally led his army against many Edo communities and important Yoruba towns like Akure and Owo. In the towns he conquered, he quickly replaced the old leaders with his own allies. Old stories say Ewuare won 201 battles, creating a large empire centered in Edo.
Rebuilding Benin City
The capital city, Benin City (then called Edo), was rebuilt and redesigned by Ewuare. He built strong walls and moats around the city. He also created wide streets and clear areas for different types of craft work. Archeologists have found that the walls around the palace and the city were huge projects that took many years to build. He also rebuilt the palace and made a clear separation between it and the rest of the city.
Meeting the Portuguese
Ewuare was the Oba when the Portuguese explorer Ruy de Sequeira arrived in 1472. It's not clear if Sequeira entered the city, but this meeting started trade between the Portuguese and the Oba. This trade grew much larger in the 1480s. Later, the king of Portugal became close allies with Oba Esigie, who was the first Oba of Benin to speak Portuguese.
Arts and Celebrations
Ewuare greatly supported the arts in Benin during his rule. Increased trade helped this growth. Ewuare is known for expanding ivory and wood carving. He also started the tradition of making Bronze heads for shrines to honor dead Obas. He also began many royal decoration traditions using coral.
In both old stories and artworks, Ewuare is seen as someone with great magical powers. His knowledge of plants and magic is shown in many artworks from his time. He created the Igue festival, which was originally celebrated to renew his magical powers. One story says the date of the Igue festival was set to celebrate Ewuare's marriage to a wife named Ewere. He is also said to have started the Ugie Erha Ọba festival, which honored the Obas.
Ewuare's Death and Family
The exact details of Ewuare's death are not fully known. However, it is said that he was buried at Esi, near Benin City. His first remaining son, Ezoti, died. His second son, Olua, ruled for a short time but was replaced when the uzama chiefs rebelled. His third son, Ozolua, became Oba around 1483 and ruled until 1514. The royal family line from Ewuare continued for many generations.
Images for kids
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Wooden sculpture of Ewuare
