THE BENIN MOAT
…One of the largest man made excavation in the world.
(Culled from Wikipedia)
Part of the World’s largest and most ancient earthwork, a complex system of moats and ramparts spread over some 6,500 square kilometers—the Benin City Walls consist of a set of inner and outer interlocking rings originally built to delineate the royal precinct of the Oba, or king, from the surrounding area. Built to an original height of more than 18 meters, and a length of 1,200 kilometers, the Iya was constructed in three stages. It was finalised around 1460, at that time being the world’s largest earthwork. The earthworks attest the development of urbanization and rise of state societies in sub-Saharan Africa, a process that began in the seventh century a.d. and culminated in the founding of the Benin Kingdom of Bronze and Ivory in the fourteenth century.
The Benin City Walls were ravaged by the British in 1897. Since then, portions of the walls have gradually vanished in the wake of modernization—large segments cannibalized. However, significant stretches of the walls remain, enclosing innumerable red earth shrines and vernacular elite architecture with red-fluted walls.
Though the walls and moats have been protected by national legislation since 1961, no conservation plan exists. The earthworks need to be mapped and assessed, a public awareness campaign launched, and a plan for long-term management developed.
For any visit, nature is always more alive at the spring as the warm and cold water springs mesmerise visitors with their uniqueness, tranquility and aesthetic beauty.
Truly, the spring is so peaceful that you cannot wait to enjoy a cool dip in the naturally heated swimming pool. You have reasons to try out this wonder destination, next time you think vacation.
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