What it was like in Ancient Benin

Step into the world of the ancient Kingdom of Benin and explore its captivating history, culture and legacy with Blue Peter Award winning author David Long.
Under the rule of the Oba, the Kingdom of Benin was one of the richest and most powerful in West Africa. Its vibrant cities boasted impressive palaces and intricate artworks, while the Edo people worked as skilled artisans, formidable hunters and talented traders. Yet as European influence began to grow, so did the challenges that faced the Benin kingdom.
From the omnipotent power of their warrior-kings to the devastating impact of the slave trade, David Long unearths the remarkable stories of daily life, trade, and the unique culture of the Edo people.

About the author

David Long, Illustrated by Stefano Tambellini

Product details

• Authors: David Long, Long David
• Assisted by: Tambellini Stefano (Illustration)
• Publisher: Collins ELT
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: from age 9
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 23.06.2026
• EAN: 9780008745998
• ISBN: 978-0-00-874599-8
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 8 mm
• Weight: 270 g
• Illustrations: 40 b/w, illus
• Series: What It Was Like to be …
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books > Non-fiction books / Non-fiction picture books > History, politics; JUVENILE NONFICTION / General, JUVENILE NONFICTION / History / Exploration & Discovery, JUVENILE FICTION / Historical / Ancient Civilizations, JUVENILE NONFICTION / History / Africa, Children's / Teenage fiction & true stories, Interest age: from c 9 years, Children’s / Teenage general interest: History and the past, For reluctant or struggling readers (children / teenagers), Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories, Relating to people of the African diasporas / heritage, JUVENILE FICTION / Places / Africa