Ai Khanoum: Bactrian Empire

9. Ai Khanoum

Fact: Ai Khanoum, now modern Afghanistan, was a garrison town of the Bactrian Empire that lay along the Oxus River. Contrary to other Hellenistic cities, Ai Khonoum had avoided mass destruction, and it must have served as an administrative center in the Bactrian Empire. Ai Khanoum included Greek architecture, such as a palace, a theater, and temples with marble columns.

Significance: During the time of the great expansion of Hellenistic ideals, Ai Khanoum exemplifies on of the many culturally diffused hybrids of Greek and Indian Culture. As a part of the Bactrian Empire, it implemented much Greek architecture and assimilated Hellenistic ideals into its culture. Many soldiers from Greece were stationed at Ai Khanoum and brought

After seeing the brutality of the war and the destruction he had caused, he committed to nonviolence during his reign, even issuing an edict. Moreover, the Kalinga tragedy deepened Asoka’s following of Buddhism, as he promised that the only conquests he would make would be for religious purposes. Moreover, Asoka promised to rule in accordance with dhamma, or the complete tolerance of others. This policy of non-violence marks an important change in history during a time of conquest and war.

12. Zeno

Fact: Zeno, a man from Cyprus, began the concept of Stoicism, a new philosophy. Other global figures began to create the beliefs of Stoicism in the search of finding each individual’s place in the universe. Meanwhile, Zeno would put his ideas on a place called the Stoa Poikile, which would open into the marketplace in Athens. Stoicism, Zeno’s philosophy, maintained that everything was based on nature and that buildings and cities were man-made.

Significance: Zeno and his philosophy Stoicism represents one of the many philosophies and thoughts that arose during this period. Like Buddhism and other religions, Stoicism promoted a resort to nature and a control of emotions. Stoicism uniquely contradicted the current theme of urbanization, presenting an opposing view to creating cities. Zeno told people to be one with nature and reject things made by