At its origins, the current territory of Benin was made up of several independent political entities, including the kingdoms of Danhomé (Abomey), Xogbonou (Porto-Novo), Allada, Nikki, Kouandé, and Kandi. These kingdoms, true city-states, formed the foundation of a mosaic of ancient civilizations, remarkable for their cultural influence and political organization.

The first rulers of Abomey and Porto-Novo were descendants of the migration of the Adja-Fon peoples, who originated from Tado in present-day Togo. Other ethnic groups settled in the region from present-day Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso. This diversity of origin shaped a space of great civilizational wealth.

The Beninese kingdoms had well-structured urban centers and were important hubs for trade exchanges. From the 17th century onward, they actively participated in the slave trade, a thriving commerce at that time. After the abolition of this trade in 1807, these entities transitioned to an economy based on the cultivation and trade of palm oil.

This trade economy attracted European powers, which established trading posts along the coast, then known as the "Slave Coast." The British, Danes, Portuguese, and a few French set up trading posts there, particularly in Ouidah, where France was authorized to build a port as early as 1704. In 1752, the Portuguese discovered Porto-Novo, which became a strategic center for their activities.

In the 19th century, facing external threats, local rulers sought alliances with European powers. In 1863, King Toffa of Porto-Novo requested France's protection to counter the ambitions of the kingdom of Abomey and the British incursions from Lagos. That same year, Glèlè, the king of Abomey, allowed the French to settle in Cotonou. In 1882, a new protectorate treaty was signed between Porto-Novo and France, strengthening French colonial presence with the establishment of a "resident" tasked with assisting the king.

The French conquest of Dahomey culminated in 1894 with the defeat of local rulers. The French then founded the colony of Dahomey and dependencies, named after the powerful kingdom of Danhomé, which had distinguished itself through its resistance, particularly under the reign of the legendary king Béhanzin.

Ultimately, Dahomey became a republic on December 4, 1958, achieving full independence on August 1, 1960, asserting itself on the international stage under the name Republic of Dahomey, before adopting the name Republic of Benin.