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Architecture Heritage Site

Benin City Moat System (Iya)

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About

The Benin City earthwork moat system (known as Iya) is one of the largest pre-colonial earthworks in the world, estimated at over 16,000 kilometers of boundary walls and moats. Built between the 13th and mid-15th centuries, the system enclosed the capital and surrounding villages. The Guinness Book of Records once described it as the largest earthwork in the world prior to the mechanical era.

Location Details

Latitude: 6.3382
Longitude: 5.6263

Exact (town level)

About This Data

Architecture heritage sites represent significant examples of traditional Nigerian building traditions and structural innovation.

Locations are based on architectural surveys and heritage documentation.

Sources

  • UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    UNESCO

    View source

  • Architectural Heritage Surveys — Nigerian Building Traditions

    Academic (compiled)

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