Ife Empire
Empire of Ife | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| c. 1200 – 1420 | |||||||||||
Ife Empire during mid 14th century | |||||||||||
| Status | Empire | ||||||||||
| Capital | |||||||||||
| Common languages | Yoruba Djerma Nupe Bariba Edo | ||||||||||
| Religion | Yoruba religion, Islam | ||||||||||
| Government | Elective Monarchy | ||||||||||
| Oba | |||||||||||
| Historical era | Postclassical Era | ||||||||||
| Area | |||||||||||
| Mid 14th century | 52,000 km2 (20,000 sq mi) | ||||||||||
| Currency | Possibly Glass beads | ||||||||||
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| Today part of | Nigeria Benin | ||||||||||
The Ife Empire was the first empire in Yoruba history. It was founded in what is now southwestern Nigeria and eastern Benin. A classical period starting from 1000 to 1420 CE, marked the age of its most well known sophisticated art pieces. Although Yoruba was the main language of the empire, there were also various spoken dialects and languages. It rose to power through trade with Sahelian and forest states. Its capital city, Ilé-Ife, was one of the largest urban centers in 14th century West Africa.