Ardra

Ardra, or Allada, was a powerful Aja kingdom between the interior and the coast of the Bight of Benin. Its royal centre, known to Europeans as Great Ardra, stood inland; the kingdom also controlled coastal outlets through which merchants reached Atlantic ships. Royal traditions linked Allada to Tado on the Mono River and to neighbouring dynasties at Abomey and Hogbonu.

During the seventeenth century Allada became a major participant in the Atlantic trade in enslaved people. Its position was challenged as both Dahomey to the north and Hueda on the coast grew stronger. In 1724 King Agaja of Dahomey invaded and captured Allada. Many of its people were enslaved and sent to the coast, and refugees from the royal lineage later established a new centre at Hogbonu.

The later city of Cotonou lies nearby.