especially important to historians because they are a key part of the history of Benin. Also, the Benin brasses and works of art are some of the only examples historians have of the physical representations of the culture. At first, the city and culture of Benin started off as a kingdom that was based solely on chiefly tribute. Later on, Benin’s culture and history were enriched and became more powerful because of the conquests they made through war. For example, a war that was detrimental to Benin was the Idah war (1515-1516). The Idah war was a religious war in which Benin won. This war helped to establish unity and power in the Benin Empire. The wars Benin participated in and the people Benin conquered made Benin into an imperial power. It was under Oba Ewuare (r. 1440-1473) that Benin became an empire by launching its military and conquering other lands. This also led to the formation of many trade routes and tribute-paying towns. Therefore, the first Europeans to arrive in Benin were very impressed with the wealth and advancements of the country. Overall, the Benin culture is an extremely important part of history because it is a culture not based on literature, and it is a culture that had great power before the 16th century. Chronology Given the stylistic differences, the art of Benin has been divided by some authors, including Egyptologist Boris de Rachewiltz in the following periods: The royal arts of Benin The royal arts of the Benin Kingdom of southern region Nigeria affirm the centrality of the Oba, or divine king, portraying his divine nature. While recording the kingdom's significant historical events and the Oba's involvement with them, they also initiate the Oba's interactions with the supernatural and honor his deified ancestors, forging a continuity that is vital to the kingdom's well-being. The materials used in Benin's royal arts—primarily brass, ivory, and coral—are endowed with sacred power. The innate value of these materials within Benin and the time and skill that is invested in working them reflect the earthly and otherworldly influence of the Oba and the great wealth of his kingdom. Benin's royal arts belong to a tradition that favors convention even as it promotes creativity and innovation, especially as a reflection of royal prerogative. Through time, rulers have used the arts to interpret the history of the kingdom and to orient themselves with the