Question

What were the clearest influences on the development and decline of the Kushan Empire?

a) Chinese and Indian cultures
b) Roman and Greek influences
c) Persian and Arab traditions
d) African and Mediterranean civilizations

Answer 1

The clearest influences on the development and decline of the Kushan Empire were Chinese and Indian cultures, Roman and Greek influences, and Persian and Arab traditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The clearest influences on the development and decline of the Kushan Empire were a) Chinese and Indian cultures, b) Roman and Greek influences, and c) Persian and Arab traditions.

During the Kushan Empire, there was a curious mixture of Buddhist influences, Zoroastrianism, and Greek traditions from the army of Alexander the Great. The Kushans produced works of art in the Greek tradition, minting gold coins featuring Greek text and erecting statues of the Buddha wearing Greek togas.

Additionally, the empire had flourishing trade with Central Asia, Egypt, the Aksumite Kingdom, and Rome, which contributed to its development. However, the decline of the Kushan Empire was influenced by factors like the weakening of the Roman Empire and its economic contraction, the rise of the kingdom of Aksum, and the shift in trade routes.