The Dialectics of Definitions: "Massacre" and "Sack" in the History of the Punitive Expedition

Author William Fagg claimed in his article entitled 'Benin: The Sack That Never Was,' that the British Royal Marines did not technically sacked the city of Benin during their invasion in 1897. Fagg claims three conditions must be met before sacking can be claimed. These conditions are namely, premeditation of the burning and an actual fire, genocide and plunder. A review of the events in Feb 11 to 21 in 1897 proved that Benin City burned and was also plundered but the fire was accidental in nature.