Photorealistic depiction of a bustling ancient African city market with people trading, artisans working, and large city walls in the background.

A photorealistic depiction of daily life in Benin City at the height of the Edo Empire between the 15th and 16th centuries. A large, well-organized city with broad earth-lined streets, wooden buildings, and palace complexes surrounded by walls and moats. People go about their daily activities: traders exchanging goods, artisans casting bronze plaques and sculptures, officials moving through the city, and families gathering in public spaces. Men and women wear traditional Edo clothing, including wrapped garments, coral bead jewelry, and elaborate adornments. In the background, palace structures and carved wooden pillars rise above the city beneath a bright West African sky. See more