How was the kingdom of Dahomey governed and defended?

The kingdom of Dahomey was a highly centralized, despotic, and militaristic state. Its governance and defense were structured as follows:12

Governance

• Absolute Monarchy: The king was the supreme authority, presiding over a rigidly stratified society of royalty, commoners, and enslaved people.2
• Bureaucracy: The king governed through a centralized bureaucracy staffed by commoners to prevent them from challenging his power. To ensure oversight, each male official in the field was paired with a female counterpart at court who monitored his activities and advised the king.2
• National Identity: Rulers integrated conquered territories by enforcing uniform laws, encouraging intermarriage, and fostering a shared national identity as Fon people.12
• Royal Authority: The king’s power was reinforced by an elaborate cult of deceased monarchs, honored through annual public ceremonies involving human sacrifices.13

Defense

• Standing Army: Dahomey maintained a highly trained standing army, supported by a regular population census used for military conscription.12
• Women Warriors: A notable feature of the military was a female contingent (the "Amazons"), who served as royal bodyguards and elite combat troops, eventually comprising about one-third of the military.124
• Military Organization: The army was organized into specialized regiments, such as riflewomen, archers, and gunners, each with distinct uniforms and rituals. These forces were essential for both territorial expansion and the capture of individuals for the slave trade and royal plantations.42