User:Ursus4spelaeus/Oyo-Ile
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Old Oyo is the site of the capital city (1400[1]-1835) of the Oyo Empire (occasionally called the Old Oyo Empire) in modern-day Nigeria and a major cultural and political center of West Africa during the empire's height. [2]Established by Yoruba groups migrating from the city of Ile-Ife, the city was the seat of authority for the Alaafin, or custodian/keeper of the palace which was called the Aafin. As capital of a major state during the 17th and 18th centuries, the city is also the site of large markets such as the Akesan market, which was recreated in the later city of New Oyo. Archeology has been conducted at this site for over 4 decades,[3] the area designated being near 3,000 hectares.[4] Sites related in cultural relation and importance to the Oyo Empire inclue Koso and Ipapo Ile, both cities in Nigeria.