History

The name Benameji is derived from Bani Bashir.

The village is of Arabic origin.

Its fortress was conquered by Ferdinand III, known as "the Holy".

In 1254, Alfonso X ceded it to don Pelay Pérez, Grand Master of the Knightly Order of Santiago, in order to protect it against Moorish attacks.

In 1333. it was conquered again, falling under the control of the King of Granada.

In 1362, King Peter the Cruel led the definitive conquest of Benameji.

In 1529, Charles I obtained papal permission to separate the area's land from that belonging to Military Orders. In 1548, Diego Bermúdez bought the Benameji estate and populated it, making it into a village. Charles II conferred upon the Lord of Bermuy the title of Marquis of Benameji.

Eminent citizens

Jose María Labrador Arjona, painter.

Manuel Gallardo, bullfighter.