Buddhist and Christian Relay Posts on the Silk Road (9<sup>th</sup>–12<sup>th</sup> cc.)

Abstract

With the decline of Tang Empire in the 8th century, the unitary postal system connecting China proper with the Hexi corridor and eastern Central Asia ceased to function. Buddhist and Christian communities took up the role with their networks that transcended the boundaries of states. Buddhist and Christian monks were entrusted with diplomatic and commercial duties as official envoys and sent to distant states via their own religious networks. Monasteries along the main routes filled the gaps left by the former relay posts, especially in relatively isolated areas where no civilian conurbations existed. Akin to the prevalent Buddhism, the Christian network also extended to most regions in east Central Asia and Gansu by the 9–10 cc. This was centrally organised under the leadership of the metropolitan in Merv, resulting in highly efficient communications within these regions, as well as with western Central Asia and northern Asia.