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How Did The Silk Road Affect The Spread Of Indian Religions

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Throughout history, the spread of new thoughts, beliefs, and ideas have been possible through the use of intercontinental trade routes. One of human history’s major routes was the Silk Road, an assortment of ancient land and sea paths connecting China, Eurasia, and the Mediterranean. Merchants who traveled along the Silk Road helped to stimulate a conversation about religion. One of the religions that spread was Buddhism; Buddhism is, according to “Glossary” in Worlds Together, Worlds Apart, a “major South Asian religion that aims to end human suffering through the renunciation of desire.” It is said that Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, became disillusioned with his pampered life of royalty and left to discover a new way of life. His time in the wilderness eventually lead to the development of Buddhist philosophy and spirituality. The Silk Road was important in Buddhism’s expansion out of India and throughout China because there was a secure path to travel and both gather and share information, which sanctioned Buddhism to become a widespread and longlasting religion. …show more content…

Qian’s travels allowed him to come into contact with nearby civilizations and when he returned, he was able to share with the Han important information he gathered about other regions in central Asia. One of the aspects of his mission that he shared with Emperor Wu was the large horses that existed in the Greco-Bactrian lands. These horses, he declared, could be used to successfully beat the Xiongnu. The implementation of the Greco-Bactrian horses did, in fact, allow the Han to conquer the Xiongnu and Emperor Wu wondered what else could be acquired through trade with western civilizations. Thus, the Silk Road was

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