This paper investigates the Silla Kingdom as the golden era of Buddhist culture. The first 215 years of the Silla Dynasty were characterized by the establishment of new political, legal and educational systems. Trade was prevalent and scholasticism flowered. Buddhism, which was introduced to the region in 372 AD and adopted and encouraged by the state, flourished and contributed the to thriving culture and civilization of Silla. My main argument is that the Silla was, in fact, the golden age of Buddhist culture, because of the fascinating mixture of Chinese influence and its own thriving culture. Some of the artistic results were not matched anywhere else to the best of our knowledge. 5 pgs. Bibliography lists 11 sources.
