key term - Buddhas of Bamiyan

Definition

Giant statues of Buddha that were carved into cliffs in central Afghanistan during the 6th century. Sadly, they were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001.

Related terms

Iconoclasm:

The deliberate destruction or defacement of religious or cultural icons.

Cave Temples: Buddhist temples or monasteries that are carved into natural caves or cliffs.

Silk Road:

An ancient network of trade routes connecting East Asia to Europe and Africa, which played a significant role in spreading Buddhism to different regions.