The ancient empire of Benin was one of Africa's greatest at the height of its powers. Stretching across vast areas of present-day Nigeria/West Africa, Benin is world-renowned for its priceless bronze sculptures and other beautiful artwork. The kingdom suffered irreparable loss at the hands of colonial British forces in the late 19th century and never quite regained its glory. This is the story of how they resisted bravely against impossible odds. Brought to life with beautiful graphics, this volume is part of the Nigeria History & Heritage Children's Books Series by +234Express® designed to inspire both kids and adults.

Presents the history and culture of the kingdom which 500 years ago outshone all others on Africa's west coast and which is now part of Nigeria.

The Great Benin Empire was an empire kingdom in West Africa known for its great wealth, intricately planned cities, and beautiful bronze sculptures. It was one of the oldest and most highly developed empires in West Africa from the 13th century until the end of the 19th century. It attracted visitors from far away lands who came to trade and also marvel at its great wall. This story is told from the point of view of Osasu, a young Edo boy who lived in the Benin empire and enjoys the comfort and protection of the Great Wall of Benin that was built by his ancestors. Follow young Osasu, as he navigates life at the height of the ancient Benin civilization, the arrival of strange visitors, and the fall of the Great Benin Empire. A must-read for every child and teen interested in untold histories. (Note: This can be emphasized and highlighted) Apart from the entertainment value, readers will benefit from exploring important nuggets of African history and culture as they immerse themselves in this beautiful African story.

Benin Empire looks at one of the most fascinating and advanced ancient civilisations. Through structures as imposing as a vast walled city built on trade or objects as beautiful as a bronze plaque, readers aged 9 and up gain a picture of who was who in ancient Africa and how the civilisation in which they lived really worked. Perfect for Key Stage 2, each book in Great Civilisations approaches its subject through a scene-setting spread Who/where were the... then introduces the achievements of the chosen civilisation through 12 structures or objects, each of which illustrates a key aspect or theme. Writing, architecture, industry, warfare, transport and learning are all covered in the same simple, colourful and engaging way. Fact boxes and panels present incidental information and point the reader to the importance of parallel developments in other parts of the world.

What was the "Forest Kingdom" of Benin? -- What was life like in ancient Benin? -- Did children have to go to school in ancient Benin? -- What kind of work did people do in ancient Benin? -- How did people trade goods in ancient Benin? -- What did people do for fun in ancient Benin? -- What religion did people follow in ancient Benin? -- How did the kingdom of Benin end? -- A day at the Igue festival.

The Benin Bronzes are among the British Museum’s most prized possessions. Celebrated for their great beauty, they embody the history, myth and artistry of the ancient Kingdom of Benin, once West Africa’s most powerful, and today part of Nigeria. But despite the Bronzes’ renown, little has been written about the brutal imperial violence with which they were plundered. Paddy Docherty’s searing new history tells that story: the 1897 British invasion of Benin. Armed with shocking details discovered in the archives, Blood and Bronze sets this assault in its late Victorian context. As British power faced new commercial and strategic pressures elsewhere, it ruthlessly expanded in West Africa. Revealing both the extent of African resistance and previously concealed British outrages, this is a definitive account of the destruction of Benin. Laying bare the Empire’s true motives and violent means, including the official coverup of grotesque sexual crimes, Docherty demolishes any moral argument for Britain retaining the Bronzes, making a passionate case for their immediate repatriation to Nigeria.