Ancient Nigeria

Ancient Nigeria was home to several influential civilizations, including the Nok culture known for their terracotta sculptures around 1500 BCE, and the Kingdom of Kanem-Bornu. The most prominent was the Kingdom of Nigeria’s medieval states like Benin, Ife, and Oyo, which thrived through trade, art, and political organization from roughly 500 CE to 1500 CE. These societies developed advanced governance, vibrant art, and trading networks across Africa and beyond. Their history laid foundations for modern Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage and complex social structures.