The Kingdom of Nri (948—1911) is the West African medieval state of the Nri-Igbo, a subgroup of the Igbo people.
The Kingdom of Nri is unusual in the history of world government in that its leader exercises no military power over his subjects.
The kingdom exists as a sphere of religious and political influence over much of Igboland, and is administered by a priest-king called the eze Nri.
The eze Nri manages trade and diplomacy on behalf of the Igbo people, and possesses divine authority in religious matters.The kingdom is a safe haven for all those who had been rejected in their communities and also a place where slaves are set free from their bondage.
Nri expands through converts gaining neighboring communities' allegiance, not by force.
Nri's royal founder, Eri, is said to be a 'sky being' that came down to earth and then established civilization.
One of the better-known remnants of the Nri civilization is its art, as manifested in the Igbo Ukwu bronze items.Nri's culture permanently influences all of Igbo culture, especially through religion and taboos.
It brings new advanced concepts of the creator, Chineke, and of the universe in general.
British colonialism, as well as the Atlantic slave trade, contribute to the decline of the Nri Kingdom.
The Nri Kingdom is presently going through a cultural revival.
