Gandhara
Why did invaders choose Gandhara as their capital?
Its strategic location for trade, wealth from agriculture and resources, cultural and learning hub, and its historical significance made it an attractive target for invaders.
What are the three factors that contributed to the growth of civilizations in vast empires?
Building new capitals and palaces, spreading religion, and establishing strong communication systems like roads and coins.
How did the Macedonian army’s phalanx formation benefit soldiers in battle?
It allowed soldiers to move quickly and fight effectively, increasing the army's speed and mobility during battles.
Why was Gandhara an important center for cultural exchange?
It served as a meeting point for different cultures, influencing art, religion, and knowledge exchange between Central Asia and South Asia.
Who was Kanishka, and what was his contribution to the Kushan Empire?
Kanishka was a significant king of the Kushan Empire who supported Buddhism, promoted art, and built many religious monuments.
What role did Gandhara play in cultural exchange?
It was a crossroads of civilizations, influencing art, languages, Buddhism, and trade between Central Asia and South Asia.
How did the use of coins help rulers maintain their authority?
Coins spread the ruler's image and information, boosted economic stability, and unified the empire by making trade easier and showing the ruler's power.
What military tactic did conquerors use to show strength and control over conquered areas?
They built new capitals and palaces to replace enemy cities, showcasing their power and dominance.
How did coins help in the economic stability of empires?
Coins facilitated trade, unified the economy, and made transactions easier, contributing to the growth and stability of the empire.
How did the use of coins help rulers establish and maintain their authority?
Coins displayed the ruler’s image and title, helped with communication, and strengthened the ruler’s power across the empire.
Who was Kanishka, and what contributions did he make to the Kushan Empire?
Kanishka was a powerful ruler who supported Buddhism, built monuments, promoted art, and respected all religions, contributing to the empire's prosperity.
What military innovations did Phillip II introduce to the Macedonian army?
He reorganized the army, introduced new weapons, formed the phalanx, and improved speed and mobility, making it a formidable force.
How did roads help military movements in empires?
Roads allowed soldiers to move quickly to defend the empire, prevent enemy attacks, and maintain control over large territories.
What role did the Shakas play in the cultural exchange with Rome?
The Shakas sent ambassadors to Rome with gifts, including exotic animals and people, impressing Emperor Augustus and strengthening their diplomatic ties.
What gifts did the Shakas bring to Emperor Augustus?
The Shakas brought exotic animals and people as gifts, impressing Emperor Augustus and securing a diplomatic relationship.
Why was Gandhara important for cultural exchange?
It was a melting pot for different cultures, blending Greek and Indian art styles, supporting Buddhism, and serving as a center for learning, especially in Taxila.
What four aspects of military, administrative, and diplomatic tactics did conquerors use to safeguard their empires?
Military tactics like building strong capitals and roads, administrative tactics like using coins for communication, and diplomatic tactics like spreading religion and collecting tribute.
What was the significance of the phalanx in Philip II’s military strategy?
The phalanx allowed the Macedonian army to become more organized, effective, and flexible, enabling them to win key battles and expand the empire.
How did the spread of Buddhism contribute to cultural and economic growth in Gandhara?
Buddhism spread through Gandhara, influencing art, philosophy, and trade, and creating a cultural and spiritual link between regions.
What innovations did Phillip II introduce to transform the Macedonian army?
Philip II reorganized the army, introduced new weapons, created the phalanx formation, and improved speed and mobility to enhance the army’s fighting capabilities.