Sunday 5 May 2019

GREEK GODS TURN THE DHARMA WHEEL OF BUDDHISM

The Indo-Greeks followed numerous religions during the time they ruled in present-day northwestern India, from the 2nd century BCE to the beginning of the 1st century CE.

 In addition to the worship of the Classical pantheon of the Greek deities found on their coins ( Zeus, Heracles, Athena, Apollo), the Indo-Greeks were involved with local faiths, particularly with Buddhism, but also with Hinduism and Zoroastrianism.

Below there some coins from the Indo-Greek Kingdom, on the which the Greek Gods are depicted in close connection with the  "Wheel of the Law" or Dharmachakra. 

Left: Coin of Menander II. Zeus holding Nike, who hands a victory wreath over a Dharmachakra. Right: God Hermes wearing chlamys and petasus pushing a Dharmachakra, with legend "He Who Sets in Motion the Wheel of the Law" .

Silver Drachm of Menander. Zeus enthroned, holding Nike and scepter, and Nike handing a victory wreath over an eight-spoked wheel.

Coin of King Hermaios, the Saviour.Zeus enthroned, three-quarters left, holding sceptre in left hand and bestowing blessing with right hand.


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