Greco-Buddhism
Greco-Buddhism, refers to the cultural relationship between Hellenistic culture and Buddhism. It developed between the 4th century BCE and the 5th century CE. This still goes on in modern Afghanistan, Pakistan and north-western border regions of modern India. This was the cultural result of a long chain of interactions begun by Greek in India from the time of Alexander the Great. It was carried further by the establishment of Indo-Greek rule in the area for some centuries, and extended during flourishing of the Hellenized empire of the Kushans. Greco-Buddhism influenced the artistic, and spiritual development of Buddhism, particularly Mahayana Buddhism, which represents one of the two main branches of Buddhism The Buddhist religious system was then adopted in Central and Northeastern Asia, from the 1st century CE, ultimately spreading to China, Korea, Japan, Philippines, Siberia, and Vietnam. (HellinciaWorld.com)
The interaction between Hellenistic Greece and Buddhism started when Alexander the Great conquered the Achaemenid Empire and grew regions of Central Asia in 334 BCE, crossing the Indus river, which established direct contact with India. (HellinciaWorld.com)
Alexander founded several cities in his new territories in the areas of the Oxus and Bactria, and Greek settlements grew larger to the Khyber all the way to the Punjab. These regions were in a unique geographical passageway between the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountains through which most of the interaction between India and Central Asia took place, generating intense cultural exchange and trade. (HellinciaWorld.com)
Following Alexander's death on June 10, 323 BCE, the Diadochoi (successors) founded their own kingdoms in Asia Minor and Central Asia. General Seleucus set up the Seleucid Kingdom, which went as far as India. Later, the Eastern part of the Seleucid Kingdom broke away to form the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (3rd–2nd century BCE), followed by the Indo-Greek Kingdom (2nd–1st century BCE), and later the Kushan Empire (1st–3rd century CE). (HellinciaWorld.com)
The interaction between Hellenistic Greece and Buddhism started when Alexander the Great conquered the Achaemenid Empire and grew regions of Central Asia in 334 BCE, crossing the Indus river, which established direct contact with India. (HellinciaWorld.com)
Alexander founded several cities in his new territories in the areas of the Oxus and Bactria, and Greek settlements grew larger to the Khyber all the way to the Punjab. These regions were in a unique geographical passageway between the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush mountains through which most of the interaction between India and Central Asia took place, generating intense cultural exchange and trade. (HellinciaWorld.com)
Following Alexander's death on June 10, 323 BCE, the Diadochoi (successors) founded their own kingdoms in Asia Minor and Central Asia. General Seleucus set up the Seleucid Kingdom, which went as far as India. Later, the Eastern part of the Seleucid Kingdom broke away to form the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom (3rd–2nd century BCE), followed by the Indo-Greek Kingdom (2nd–1st century BCE), and later the Kushan Empire (1st–3rd century CE). (HellinciaWorld.com)
Art and History
Alexander the Great had a major long term impact on the art and history of Greece. Still today, there are many sculptures of Alexander spread throughout Greece. One of the most important impacts he has left long term is the history he left behind. He showed us how he conquered so many places and how great of a military mind he was. He still today is known as one of the greatest military minds ever, and in some places some of his strategies and ideas are still used in war and fighting. One other interesting note, is that he inspired Hanibal to conquer Egypt and everywhere else he conquered. (Jona Lendering)
Hellenistic People Today
Around the world the legacy of the Macedonian General, Alexander the Great still resonates. And in a small corner of northern Pakistan, there is a small community that claims to be the direct descendants of Alexander’s armies. A living link stretching back more than 2,300 years to ancient Greece. (Mark Corcoran)
Mark Corcoran, a Greek historian made the treacherous two day jeep ride over the Hindu Kush mountains to meet the mysterious Kalash Kafirs peoples. Translated literally, they are the black-dressed infidels of Pakistan – whose women still wear flowing dresses, that look very similar to the ones worn by ancient Greeks. (Mark Corcoran)
The origins of the Kalash are still the subject of academic debate, but Kalash schoolteacher Anees Umar is convinced by what he says are many parallels in dress, language and culture.
“I think these people are descendents of Alexander the Great, because I found similarities in Greece. The Ancient Greek culture was similar to the Kalash people.” he says. (Mark Corcoran)
The modern Greeks have arrived. They are convinced that the Kalash are their ancient Hellenic brethren, they are building schools and clinics parallel with “traditional Kalash” (Mark Corcoran)
“They are building in a Greek way – but I think that’s not fair. They should build schools like Kalash way” complains one Kalash leader. (Mark Corcoran)
Some Kalash believe foreign tourism will be their saviour. Hotels and guest houses now rise across the Kalash valleys – despite bitter opposition from the Greek aid workers. (Mark Corcoran)
“Tourism has destroyed my culture. Of course tourism gives us money, but little by little Greek culture is finished because of tourism. If it happens here, the Kalash tradition will also be finished” says Athanasios Lerounis of the group Greek Volunteers. (Mark Corcoran)
Mark Corcoran, a Greek historian made the treacherous two day jeep ride over the Hindu Kush mountains to meet the mysterious Kalash Kafirs peoples. Translated literally, they are the black-dressed infidels of Pakistan – whose women still wear flowing dresses, that look very similar to the ones worn by ancient Greeks. (Mark Corcoran)
The origins of the Kalash are still the subject of academic debate, but Kalash schoolteacher Anees Umar is convinced by what he says are many parallels in dress, language and culture.
“I think these people are descendents of Alexander the Great, because I found similarities in Greece. The Ancient Greek culture was similar to the Kalash people.” he says. (Mark Corcoran)
The modern Greeks have arrived. They are convinced that the Kalash are their ancient Hellenic brethren, they are building schools and clinics parallel with “traditional Kalash” (Mark Corcoran)
“They are building in a Greek way – but I think that’s not fair. They should build schools like Kalash way” complains one Kalash leader. (Mark Corcoran)
Some Kalash believe foreign tourism will be their saviour. Hotels and guest houses now rise across the Kalash valleys – despite bitter opposition from the Greek aid workers. (Mark Corcoran)
“Tourism has destroyed my culture. Of course tourism gives us money, but little by little Greek culture is finished because of tourism. If it happens here, the Kalash tradition will also be finished” says Athanasios Lerounis of the group Greek Volunteers. (Mark Corcoran)