1
of
1
What it was like in Ancient Benin
Series: What It Was Like to be …
Brief Description
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...
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
Unit price
/
Unavailable
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER
Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks
Found a better price? Request a price match
What it was like in Ancient Benin
$1999
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
New Hero Alert! Meet Theresa – our new Warehouse Sidekick
We’re thrilled to welcome Theresa to the Book Hero team! Whenever we bring a new...
Our Rolife Range Is Getting Even Bigger!
Our Rolife range is getting even bigger! We’ve got a huge new shipment on the...
How to Make 1000 Piece Puzzles Easier
1000 piece puzzles can seem a little intimidating, but a few simple tricks can make...
Pick up a Microhistory (and become a very niche expert)
If you've seen people talking about a book about Salt and wondered what was happening...
Lizzy's August Reading
Book Hero team member Lizzy is rounding up her reads for August! Check out what...
See more
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.
Discover our ancient civilisations with Blue Peter Book Award winner David Long (Dyslexia-friendly)
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
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. Behind a network of massive walls, its vibrant capital city boasted the Oba's impressive palace, filled with 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.
Series: What It Was Like to be …
View all-
What it was like to be an Ancient Greek
Blue Peter Award winning author David Long takes readers on a captivating exploration into the culture and legacy of ancient Greek civilisation. Around 3,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks created one of the world’s most advanced civilisations. While most worked as farmers and fishermen to feed their families, others studied hard to become brilliant astronomers, navigators, philosophers, artists and athletes....Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What It Was Like to be an Ancient Roman
Embark on a fascinating foray into the lives of the Ancient Romans in this second instalment of David Long’s What it was like to be… series. Who were the Romans and how did this small tribe come to dominate Italy before establishing the largest empire the world has ever seen? Why were the Romans such brilliant innovators, responsible for inventions...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What it was like to be an Ancient Egyptian
From sacred cats to the invention of toothpaste, Blue Peter Award winning author David Long takes readers on an intriguing investigation into the ancient Egyptian civilisation. The incredible civilisation of ancient Egypt lasted for 3,000 years. Ruled over by pharaohs, the Egyptians developed agricultural skills and trading partnerships that enabled them to build a rich and powerful nation centred on...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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. Behind a network of massive walls, its vibrant capital city boasted the Oba's...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What It Was Like to be a Viking
From traders to raiders, embark on an incredible voyage through Viking life and history in the first in an exciting new series from bestselling non-fiction writer David Long. The Vikings were a terrifying force that changed history across the globe – from Canada all the way to Iraq. But they were merchants as well as marauders, explorers as well as...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What it was like to be an Ancient Maya
Embark on a captivating exploration into the rise and fall of the rich and colourful Maya civilisation with Blue Peter Award winning author David Long. Largely forgotten for centuries, the ancient Maya were incredible. Their cities across Central and South America featured astonishing pyramids and palaces, while they were also successful farmers and highly creative artists. The Maya were the...PaperbackSold Out
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780008745998
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 09 April 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Barrington Stoke Ltd
Illustration: 40 b/w, illus
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Stefano Tambellini
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 6.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 170g
Pages: 96
About the Author
David Long is a journalist and author of non-fiction for both adults and children. A writer since leaving university, his work has appeared in the Sunday Times and London's Evening Standard. His engaging non-fiction reflects his unquenchable thirst for fascinating stories from the past, and in 2017 his book Survivors won the Blue Peter Award for the best book with facts.
Also by David Long
View all-
Tutankhamun's Treasure
Uncover the incredible true story of Howard Carter’s world-changing discovery in this fun and informative retelling of the secrets of Tutankhamun’s tomb. On 4 November 1922, a young Egyptian boy working on Howard Carter’s archaeological dig in the Valley of the Kings stumbled across a strange piece of rock. On closer inspection, it turned out to be a stone step...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What it was like to be an Ancient Greek
Blue Peter Award winning author David Long takes readers on a captivating exploration into the culture and legacy of ancient Greek civilisation. Around 3,000 years ago, the ancient Greeks created one of the world’s most advanced civilisations. While most worked as farmers and fishermen to feed their families, others studied hard to become brilliant astronomers, navigators, philosophers, artists and athletes....Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Egypt Magnified
Explore ancient Egypt, from the Nile to the pyramids, and learn what life was like for pharaohs, slaves, and scribes in this fascinating search-and-find adventure. Use the magnifying glass to spot over 200 things in each eye-boggling illustration. Look inside temples and houses, and discover how mummies were made and how the pyramids were built. Egypt Magnified by David Long...Hardback$3299Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Flight
From a hot air balloon to holidays on the moon, award-winning David Long captures the astonishing true stories of advances in aviation. From the Wright Brothers' twelve seconds aloft to the Moon landings less than a lifetime later, the story of aviation is not just a series of astonishing advances made at breathtaking speed. It's also about the courage and...Hardback$4699Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Everest
Join the treacherous mission to conquer Earth’s highest peak in David Long’s enthralling retelling of the first expeditions to climb Everest. Everest is the world’s highest mountain, towering like an icy giant over the Himalayas. For the millions of people living nearby, it has always been a magical place, known as “Goddess Mother of the World” or the “Peak of...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Romans Magnified
Zoom in to discover what life was like for Ancient Romans in this innovative and interactive illustrated title that takes you right into their fascinating world! Learn how the Romans lived - from the seven hills to the Colosseum and beyond. Using the free magnifying glass, seek out incredible facts about ancient Rome in this search-and-find adventure, packed with over...Hardback$3999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Tragedy at Sea
Discover the astonishing facts about the Titanic and how it came to a catastrophic end in this illustrated, accessible, and riveting account of one of history’s most famous disasters. On 10 April 1912, RMS Titanic set sail from Southampton on her maiden voyage to New York. This “Ship of Dreams” was the largest and most luxurious ocean liner in the...Paperback$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What It Was Like to be an Ancient Roman
Embark on a fascinating foray into the lives of the Ancient Romans in this second instalment of David Long’s What it was like to be… series. Who were the Romans and how did this small tribe come to dominate Italy before establishing the largest empire the world has ever seen? Why were the Romans such brilliant innovators, responsible for inventions...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What It Was Like to be a Viking
From traders to raiders, embark on an incredible voyage through Viking life and history in the first in an exciting new series from bestselling non-fiction writer David Long. The Vikings were a terrifying force that changed history across the globe – from Canada all the way to Iraq. But they were merchants as well as marauders, explorers as well as...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What it was like to be an Ancient Egyptian
From sacred cats to the invention of toothpaste, Blue Peter Award winning author David Long takes readers on an intriguing investigation into the ancient Egyptian civilisation. The incredible civilisation of ancient Egypt lasted for 3,000 years. Ruled over by pharaohs, the Egyptians developed agricultural skills and trading partnerships that enabled them to build a rich and powerful nation centred on...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Heroes
For as long as there have been wars, animals have been out there saving lives. Courageous dogs, cats, birds, horses, and even a bear have shown courage and devotion, and this book tells you their extraordinary stories. Heroes includes the story of Jet the Alsatian who became a hero of the Blitz, pulling survivors from burning rubble, night after night....Paperback$2999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Rescue
How far would you go to save a life? Scrambling from the wreckage of his school after an earthquake, a nine-year-old Sichuan boy rescued two unconscious friends. "I was hall monitor," he said afterwards. "It is my job to look after my classmates." Whether dragging a friend from a blazing car, masterminding a search far below the earth's surface, or...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
More from Children's Books
View all-
New ReleaseThe Neverfear
A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2299Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseMatihe! Achoo!
What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pūrākau e pā ana ki a Mataoho me ngā puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleasePocket Observology
Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...Paperback$2399Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Pre-orderNew ReleaseMinecraft Annual 2027
The official Minecraft Annual 2027, full of updates, builds, activities, and more! Discover all there is to know about the past year of Minecraft in this exciting annual. Stuffed to the brim with updates, activities, step-by-step builds, and tips and tricks for the game, this book is a must-have for any minecrafter. This year’s annual includes: Mob guides on happy...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseGiant Heart
Meet Jonah Lomu, one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. His speed and strength on the rugby field made him famous around the world, and his fun and generous personality made him beloved, but all the while he faced a big battle with his health. “[David Hill’s] stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseProtector of Beyond 1
Experience fierce magical creatures, perilous trials, and a heroine to root for in this 1st instalment in a new blockbuster fantasy series. The moment you enter the Arbiter, your fate is sealed. If you spark, you fight! And 12-year-old Elder Triss produces a spark like no other. Transported to the mysterious Beyond, Elder has no choice but to train for...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseAnimalia 40th Anniversary Edition
A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...Hardback$2999Elsewhere:$3500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThe Little Kiwi Builder
Oh no, the little kiwi builder's house is falling down! His screws have all come loose - what can he do? When the brickie, the plumber, the roofer, the sparky and the painter all come to help, it's looking good! Until, that night ... uh-oh! Perfect for: Anyone who likes fun and silly rhyming stories Reading aloud with little ones...Paperback$1899Elsewhere:$2199Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseYou Choose Party Time
It's time to celebrate - Party Time is a brand new You Choose adventure! It's Party Time and you choose what happens! What kind of party will it be? Who will you invite? Which cake would you like to eat? Will you dance to a steel pan band or bagpipes? The possibilities are endless in this magical storytelling toolkit which...Hardback$2599Elsewhere:$3400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseWhen Nature Calls (Duck #2)
New in 2026, the latest story from Duck, the quirky new children's series by million-copy bestselling author Matt Stanton. Do you ever wonder what animals think about humans? Do they feel they could do a better job running things? Would they ever try and take over? Duck, Mouse and Dog are alarmed that the adults in Redhill are being brainwashed...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
Children's Books lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!
-
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Kiwi Pukapuka!
Here a huge bunch of incredible books for Kiwi kids of all ages, by amazing Kiwi authors! Including picture books and chapter...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Books for Helping Kids with Emotions!
Books are a great way to help children learn about emotions - giving them the language to name and recognize how they...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Chapter Books for the Classroom
Looking for some fresh inspiration when it comes to reading to your class? Lizzy has you covered with her chapter book recommendations!View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Travel Books for Tamariki
Going on a trip with your children? There are some amazing pukapuka (books) that are perfect for young travelers! Check out this...View the list -
![]()
![]()
![]()
Lizzy's listChildren's Books
Lizzy's Favourite Picture Books
A collection of my favourite picture books to read aloud with my child and keep on the bookshelf as a reminder of...View the list
