Banner Image: A mural depicting the meeting of two prominent Buddhist figures, from the Mogao caves.
Social Diffusion
"According to the Hsi-yu-t'u-chi and the historical records of the Han and Wei dynasties, the country of Ta-ts'in [Roman Syria] begins in the south at the Coral Sea, and extends in the north to the Chung-pau-shan [hills of precious stones]...robberies are unknown there, and the people enjoy peace and happiness. Only the luminous [i.e., Christian] religion is practised; only virtuous rulers occupy the throne. This country is vast in extent; its literature is flourishing."
-From the Nestorian Stone Inscription, cols. 12-13 (written 781 C.E.)
The Spread of Buddhism
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One of the largest social impacts of the Silk Road was the spread of religion; particularly Buddhism. From its origins in Classical India, Buddhism found its way to China and other civilizations via the Silk Road, where it had resounding impacts on the Chinese populace.
"The way was difficult and rugged, running along a bank exceedingly precipitous which rose up there, a hill-like wall of rock...When one approached the edge of it, his eyes became unsteady; and if he wished to go forward in the same direction, there was no place on which he could place his foot; and beneath were the waters of a river called the Indus. In former times men had chiseled paths along the rocks and distributed ladders on the face of them...at the bottom of which there was a suspension bridge of ropes..." Dangers and RisksThe Silk Road, although a well traversed and established route nevertheless provided many challenges and dangers for travelers. The Gobi desert was one such natural obstacle, as a Chinese recorder describes:
"Time seems to stop..For four or five days the pilgrim and his horse struggle westward. Not a drop of water anywhere. His mouth, lips, and throat are parched by the burning heat. The evening of the fifth day the horse and rider fall down exhausted....." The Mogao CavesThe Mogao caves are a series of Buddhist temples and shrines that lie near Dunhuang, a city that rose along the Silk Road. The shrines and temples were clearly a sanctuary or rest stop along the SIlk Road for Buddhist monks and practitioners to stop and pray or pay respects. The artwork present in the caves has elements of most likely Indian influence, such as the overly crowded and "busy" murals and the bright orange and red colored statues of Buddha. This illustrates the cultural diffusion that took place along the Silk Road; Buddhism not only traveled through Asia along the route, but was made permanent in several places, forever impacting China's culture and religion.
"The Fu-lin country is in the west of Shan [Armenia], separated by hills several thousand li; it is also called Ta-ts'in...Men wear plain clothes, but women wear silk stuffs beset with pearls. They have many clever weavers of silk...In the manufacture of glass they are not equalled by any nation of the world." |
A cave painting from the Mogao caves that appears to have influences of Indian/Hindu art. Buddhism became prevalent in art, culture, and even architecture, resulting in a dramatic change in Chinese society. Shrines, temples and pagodas became prominent in Chinese architecture, and monks seeking to follow the path to enlightenment devoted themselves to Buddhist works.
An ancient painting depicting several merchants being confronted by a bandit on the Silk Road. Many routes were treacherous and dangerous to follow, and bandits and nomadic raiders continually proved to be a threat to merchants and especially the wealthy.
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