The Royal Palaces of Abomey are the major material testimony to the Kingdom of Dahomey which developed from the mid-17th century by the precept enunciated by its founder, Wegbaja, “that the kingdom shall always be made greater”. Under the twelve kings who succeeded from 1625 to 1900, the kingdom established itself as one of the most powerful on the western coast of Africa. The site of the Royal Palaces of Abomey covers an area of 47 ha and consists of a set of ten palaces, some of which are built next to each other and others that are superimposed, according to the succession to the throne. These palaces obey the principles relating to the culture Aja-Fon and constitute not only the decision-making center of the kingdom, but also the center for the development of craft techniques, and storage for the treasures of the kingdom. The site consists of two parts since the palace of King Akaba is separated from that of his father Wegbaja by one of the city's main roads and some residential areas. These two areas are enclosed by partially preserved cob walls. The palaces have organizational constants because each is surrounded by walls and built around three courtyards (outer, inner, and private). The use of traditional materials and polychrome bas-reliefs are important architectural features. Today, the palaces are no longer inhabited, but those of King Ghézo and King Glélé house the Historical Museum of Abomey, which illustrates the history of the kingdom and its symbolism through a desire for independence, resistance, and fight against colonial occupation.
