The Silk Roads: Ideas and Religion: Buddhism

The video explores the history of Buddhism in China, from its introduction in the first century BC to its significant cultural and economic influence during the Tang dynasty. It highlights the translation of Buddhist texts into Chinese, the role of pilgrimages in spreading Buddhist iconography, and the economic power of monasteries that led to state persecution. Additionally, it touches on the unexpected spread of Buddhism to Viking territories.

What was a significant influence on early Buddhist art in China?

• Roman architecture

• Greco-Buddhist art

• Persian textiles

• Egyptian hieroglyphs

What was a major focus of the Buddhist translation efforts in China?

• Creating new Buddhist texts

• Destroying non-Buddhist texts

• Translating Buddhist texts into Chinese

• Translating Buddhist texts into Latin

During which dynasty did Buddhism become a major religion in China?

• Ming dynasty

• Qing dynasty

• Han dynasty

• Tang dynasty

What was a consequence of the economic power of Buddhist monasteries during the Tang dynasty?

• Increased trade with India

• State persecutions of Buddhism

• Construction of new temples

• Decline in Buddhist influence

What did early Buddhist pilgrims bring back to China from India?

• New agricultural techniques

• Silk weaving methods

• Buddhist texts and icons

• Military strategies

What unexpected discovery was made in a Viking site related to Buddhism?

• A Buddhist manuscript

• A Buddhist monk's robe

• A Buddhist figure

• A Buddhist temple

Where was the 6th century Buddha figure found that indicated the spread of Buddhism westward?

• In an Egyptian tomb

• In a Roman ruin

• In a Viking site

• In a Persian palace