jan 1, 250 BC - Buddhism Spreads via Ashoka’s Missionaries – (c. 250 BCE)

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After converting to Buddhism, Indian emperor Ashoka sent missionaries across Asia, including to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. These missions helped establish Theravāda Buddhism in the region, especially in modern-day Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. Buddhist monasteries became centers of learning, diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Over time, Buddhism adapted to local traditions, influencing art, architecture, and governance, and laying the foundation for Southeast Asia’s spiritual landscape for centuries.

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