Why Did Benin Become Civilized?

The ancient empire, Benin, became civilized because of record keeping on trade, the developed complex institutions and the leadership specialized workers. The Benin empire rose to power back in the 13th century, to about 15th century. The empire quickly became successful due to the modern trade routes. “...they became very wealthy by trading conquered people to the Portuguese as slaves in exchange for such manufactured European products as firearms, textiles, glass, and beads” (Hackey). Records were kept to keep track of trade in the empire. When these records were kept, it displays how Benin’s economy rose in wealth, because of the major trade routes. This reveals how the empire is more civilized because it produced new materials and traded