Bronze Age and Iron Age; China Continues to Rule the Viet Regions
• Vietnam [Asia Society]
"A short essay on Vietnam's geopolitical history, from pre-civilization times to the 20th century."
• Southeast Asia, 1-500 A.D. [Timeline of Art History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art]
"Expanding international trade characterizes this period in Southeast Asia: Indonesian outriggers travel to the East African coast; Indian ceramics and glass beads are found in Bali and on the mainland; Chinese mirrors and Roman coins have been excavated in Cambodia; and horses from the Kushans in northwest India were imported." With a period overview, list of key events, and seven related artworks.
Buddhism and Hinduism in Mainland Southeast Asia
• Pre-Angkor Traditions: The Mekong Delta and Peninsular Thailand [Timeline of Art History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art]
"International trade brought South Asian Hindu and Buddhist traditions to mainland Southeast Asia." An excellent overview, with images of seven sculptures from the museum's collection.
• The Origins of Buddhism [Asia Society]
"A short essay that explores how Buddhism grew out of Hinduism and spread from India to the rest of Asia. How does Buddhism vary from place to place, sect to sect? Learn about how the spread of ideas combine of new beliefs with existing thoughts and practices."
• Foundations and Transformations of Buddhism: An Overview [PDF] [ExEAS, Columbia University]
These materials are designed to serve as background materials on what Buddhism is, how it developed and spread, and how Buddhist traditions differ.
AFE Special Topic Guide • Buddhism [OMuRAA, Asia for Educators]
AFE's compilation of recommended resources about Buddhism on OMuRAA, Online Museum Resources on Asian Art.
