The Benin Expedition of 1897 was a punitive expedition by a British force of 1,200 under Admiral Sir Harry Rawson in response to a massacre of a previous British-led invasion force. His troops captured, burned, and looted the city of Benin, bringing to an end the West African Kingdom of Benin. During the conquering and burning of the city, much of the country??? art, including the Benin Bronzes, was either destroyed, looted or dispersed.