Begin by viewing the map in its entirety by clicking the icon at the end of the paragraph.  Note the dates.  Using the maps at National Geographic: A View from Above, identify what region of the world Buddhism originated.  To what regions did it spread by 1300?  What does this map reveal about the growth of Buddhism across time and space?
 
 

Buddhism spread throughout the eastern half of Eurasia through a process intimately connected to trade routes that evolved over time.  Review the map again.  At what time period did regular trade routes began to link various societies in Eurasia?  How did the geography of the region help or hinder the emergence of this cross cultural contact?

Human contact was essential to spread Buddhism between societies.  To explore this process further, read the essay at Buddhism and its Spread along the Silk Road. Identify the area discussed in the first paragraph.  Use this Contemporary Map if necessary.  Also read about Buddhist activity at Monks and Merchants; Buddhism and Trade; and at  Dunhuang.  How did Buddhism spread into Central Asia?  What role did geography and human action play in this process.

Buddhism also spread from its homeland through maritime trade routes. For further insight, read the essay and study the maps at The Spread of Buddhism. 

After completing these exercises, explain what role geography and human action played in the spread of Buddhism across time and space.  In particular, explore how this process was intimately connected to long distance trade routes.  List various societies that this process linked.