Blood and Bronze: The British Empire and the Sack of Benin

The Benin Bronzes, held as treasures by the British Museum, are celebrated for their extraordinary beauty and embody the rich history, mythology, and artistry of the ancient Kingdom of Benin—once a dominant force in West Africa and now part of Nigeria. Despite their fame, the violent imperialism behind their acquisition has been largely overlooked. Paddy Docherty’s compelling new account uncovers this story, focusing on the British invasion of Benin in 1897.