Includes bibliographical references and index.

The Benin Kingdom -- Warrior kings -- The power of the Oba -- Social structure -- Religion -- Professional soldiers -- Design and engineering -- Trade -- Farming -- The art of Benin -- Craft guilds -- Benin brass -- Medicine -- Glossary -- Timeline -- Index and learning more.

"Which innovative ideas and inventions began in the Benin Kingdom in Africa? Find out how a collection of separate villages and communities grew into a strong, united kingdom and developed a network of successful trading relationships. Discover how their brilliant developments in town planning, language, art, and medicine still influence the way we live today."--