This enquiry shows students how historical interpretations can be examined, critiqued and challenged.
Taking the interpretation of writer Amie Jane Leavitt – who suggests that Benin’s ‘golden age’ was initiated by Oba Ewuare in the 15th century – students are encouraged to consider the use of criteria in reaching judgements.
Students gather evidence from a set of clues, before deciding how far the Kingdom of Benin meets the criteria for a ‘golden age’.
A comparison with the supposed ‘golden age’ enjoyed by England under Elizabeth I serves to contextualise Benin’s own ‘golden age’. Finally, students answer the enquiry question in the form of a letter to Leavitt, explaining how far they agree with her assessment.
Download lesson
- Lesson presentation: PowerPoint
- Lesson write-up: PDF
- Resource 1: PDF
- Worksheet 1: PDF
