Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Abomey

ABOMEY, the former capital of Dahomey, Africa; a walled town, containing several royal palaces. It is mostly clay-built, and the walls are of mud; is of large area, much of which is under cultivation; carries on important trade with the interior in palm oil. ivory, and gold. It has often been the scene of human sacrifices, especially at the great festivals. The town was captured by the French in 1892. Pop., formerly 60,000, now about 10,000. See Dahomey.