Oyo Empire

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

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Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/oyo-empire

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Oyo Empire built?Circa 14th century, with its zenith in the 17th and 18th centuries
2. What is the location?Southwestern Nigeria, West Africa, with its capital near modern-day Oyo town
3. What is the military strength?Renowned for its highly effective cavalry, crucial for expansion and control
4. What was the Oyo Empire and where did it exist?The Oyo Empire was a powerful kingdom in West Africa that grew from the 14th century. It was mainly located in what is now Nigeria.
5. Who was the ruler of the Oyo Empire?The supreme ruler was called the Alaafin. He led the empire but shared power with a council of chiefs called the Oyo Mesi.

Suzerainty: The position of a dominant state or ruler over a subordinate one, often involving tribute and allegiance.
Trans-Saharan Trade: Ancient trade routes that crossed the Sahara Desert, connecting North Africa with sub-Saharan Africa.
Fulani Jihad: A series of religious and political wars led by the Fulani people in the early 19th century, which significantly altered the political landscape of West Africa.