The NC’s focus is on 10th C Benin which creates problems for us. Not only are the resources sparse for this period, there is also little by way of written record, and hence very little described action. Whilst it is crucially important to study this indigenous African society before its encounters with Europeans, it does make sense to look at two other phases of Benin’s history, notably the 15th and 16th century, when most surviving Bronzes were made, and the late Victorian period within the context of the empire. I would suggest 40% of time allocated to the 10thC, 30% to the 15thC and 20% to the 19C. The issue of the slave trade is dealt with thoroughly at KS3. At all times make as many links to the present as you can, hence the last question.
