In the 18th century, the Benin kingdom was one of the most powerful in Africa. The Benin people were known for their beautiful artwork, which was highly prized by the Europeans and Arabs.

The Benin Empire was destroyed by the British in 1903, and France took control of the territory, which was then known as the French Sudan. The French established a civil administration and began an educational system, the first schools in the territory being established in the capital, Porto-Novo. The French also created the first government in the territory, the Republic of Benin being formed in the city in 1960.