Benin

Primary culture

Yorumba (West African)

Capital province

Benin (1147)

Government

Tribal Despotism

State religion

Fetishist

Technology group

West African

Beninese ideas

Traditions:

+10% Morale of armies

+10% National manpower modifier

Curb the Uzama

+1 Yearly legitimacy

Isiatua

+10% Siege ability

Appointment of the Onotueyevbo

+10% National tax modifier

The Walls of Benin

+10% Fort Defense

Benin Guilds

+10% Goods produced modifier

Adoption of Benin Customs

+1 Max promoted culture

Regulation of Trade

+10% Trade efficiency

Ambition:

+10% Land fire damage

For the area, see Benin (area).

Benin is a tribal kingdom located on the coast of Guinea. It borders Dahomey to the northwest, Oyo to the north and Nupe to the southeast. Benin is one of only three countries in West Africa with sea access, the others being Jolof and Mali. It was established at the end of XII century (see Benin Empire for historical info), and is a playable nation in all historical start dates.

Strategy[edit]

With the Niger estuary in its capital province, Benin starts well-positioned to dominate the Ivory Coast trade node, which provides many options for a variety of expansion paths. Benin's Traditions give it a leg up in warfare with its West African neighbors from the outset of the game. Exploration makes for an excellent first idea in order to secure as many provinces in the Ivory Coast node as possible and fill in the gap between the player and Kongo. This also opens further expansion opportunities within Africa to the North, East and South. A Muslim ally such as Mali or Songhai should be sought to secure the player's position while they expand northward.