Religions in the Kushan Empire

Zoroastrianism was a widespread religious cult in Bactria in the second century BC, in addition to continued adherence to ancient Greek religions and culture. Furthermore, the Saka and Kushan tribes arrived in this region with their own distinctive religions and divinities, and the conquest of India by the Kushan ruler, Vima Kadphises, introduced new religious influences, most notably Buddhism and the cult of Shiva. There was, then, a great variety of religious practices and cults in existence within the Kushan Empire, from which its emperors could choose elements at will.