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Chiefs, soldiers, freemen and slaves

Topics Year 4/5
This unit is part of Benin (900 to 1300CE) Rulers

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Objectives

History

  • Study a non-European society that provides contrasts with British history – Benin (West Africa) c. 900-1300 CE.
  • Children should continue to develop a chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, establishing clear narratives within and across the periods they study.
  • Children should regularly address and sometimes devise historically valid questions about change, cause, similarity and difference, and significance.

English

  • Participate in discussions, presentations, performances, role-play, improvisations and debates.

Lesson Planning

Learn how the Edo speaking people of Benin were either soldiers in the Oba's army, freemen farming or crafting, or slaves. Discuss the ethics of slavery.

Teaching Outcomes:

  • Find out how society was structured in Benin.
  • To thoughtfully discuss the ethics of slavery.

Children will:

  • Explain how Benin society was structured.
  • Understand the pre-European history of slavery in Benin.
  • Formulate opinions on slavery based on evidence.

Provided Resources

  • Benin society
  • Slavery in Benin before the Europeans arrived
  • Research questions about slavery before the Europeans arrived
  • Sample opinions about slavery

You Will Need

You do not need any particular resources for this session.

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