The history of Lagos
Lagos: A Tapestry Woven Through Time Lagos, Nigeria's throbbing heart and former capital, pulsates with a history as vibrant and diverse as its present. Unraveling its tapestry reveals threads reaching back centuries, each adding a distinct hue to the city's character. Early Chapters: From Humble Beginnings to Turbulent Encounters (15th-19th Centuries) The story begins in the 15th century, when the Awori, a subgroup of the Yoruba people, settled on Lagos Island, then known as "Oko," meaning "farmland." The peaceful rhythm of their lives intertwined with the burgeoning influence of the nearby Benin Empire, which renamed the island "Eko," acknowledging its growing significance in trade networks. The arrival of Europeans, particularly the Portuguese in the 15th century, marked a turning point. Trade relations blossomed, but a darker chapter unfolded with the introduction of the transatlantic slave trade. This period left an indelible mark on Lago...