<P> The first European travelers to reach Benin were Portuguese explorers starting with Joao Afonso de Aveiro ( pt ) in about 1485 . A strong mercantile relationship developed , with the Edo trading tropical products such as ivory , pepper and palm oil with for European goods such as Manilla ( money ) and guns . In the early 16th century , the Oba sent an ambassador to Lisbon , and the king of Portugal sent Christian missionaries to Benin City . Some residents of Benin City could still speak a pidgin Portuguese in the late 19th century . </P>
<P> The first European travelers to reach Benin were Portuguese explorers starting with Joao Afonso de Aveiro ( pt ) in about 1485 . A strong mercantile relationship developed , with the Edo trading tropical products such as ivory , pepper and palm oil with for European goods such as Manilla ( money ) and guns . In the early 16th century , the Oba sent an ambassador to Lisbon , and the king of Portugal sent Christian missionaries to Benin City . Some residents of Benin City could still speak a pidgin Portuguese in the late 19th century . </P>
when did the first white man came to nigeria
when did the first white man came to nigeria
about 1485
about 1485