During the 1400 and 1500s this great empire dominated the rain forest and coastal regions of what today is the country of nigeria. it was inhabited by a people known as the edo and they were considered fierce warriors and very shrewd traders. islam had no influence here. the people worshiped traditional african gods. the capital, benin city was a large and bustling center of trade. the slave trade between the portuguese and africa started with this group, who provided the portuguese with slaves. plezz me i need the awncer by mid night