Final answer:
Emperor Shomu of Japan and Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire supported the spread of Buddhism. Their efforts, along with the cultural exchange along trade routes like the Silk Road, significantly contributed to the dissemination of Buddhism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Emperor Shomu of Japan and Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire are key figures who supported the spread of Buddhism in their territories. Buddhism also spread significantly through the various trade routes like the Silk Road. Emperor Shomu encouraged the dissemination of Buddhism in Japan by ordering temples to be built in every province and block printings of Buddhist scriptures to be distributed. Similarly, Ashoka, a king from the Mauryan dynasty in India, helped spread Buddhism in the third century BCE following his conversion. In addition, the expansion of Buddhism beyond India and throughout Asia occurred through cultural exchange and interaction along trade routes, including the Silk Road.
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