Ewuare
![The size of the Benin Empire at its height. Borders are modern states of Nigeria.](/Images/godic/202501/12/Benin_Empire_sphere_of_influence3625.PNG")
![Depiction of Benin City (1668)- Many features, the large walls, the moat, and the palace were directed by Ewuare](/Images/godic/202501/12/Ancient_Benin_city3625.JPG")
![A Benin Bronze head for display at a shrine to the Obas, a tradition started under Ewuare](/Images/godic/202501/12/Benin,_testa_commemorativa_di_re_oba,_fine_XVIII_sec3625.JPG")
Oba Ewuare (also Ewuare the Great) was the king of the Benin Empire from 1440 until 1473. Ewuare became king in a violent coup against his brother Uwaifiokun which destroyed much of Benin City. After the war, Ewuare rebuilt much of the city of Benin, reformed political structures in the kingdom, greatly expanded the territory of the kingdom, and fostered the arts and festivals. He left a significant legacy and is often considered the first King of the Benin Empire.