Around the first century C.E, the valley of Bamiyan emerged as the homeland of the Kushan Empire, who seemed to take to the Buddhist religion fairly quickly and thus the whole region rapidly seemed to become Buddhist. They were responsible for some of the very first pieces of art and temples, combining both east and west, mainly from the Greeks to create their buildings and statues. Because of all these beautiful structures Bamiyan rapidly became a centre for trade, art and an epicentre for Buddhism.
Although the Kushan Empire fell after only a few centuries to the White Huns, the Buddhist Tradition remained strong throughout the area, attracting monks and pilgrims of all sorts to be a part of the reputation it had managed to build up over the years.
This was a time where Buddhism had spread very strongly throughout India and parts of Asia and had become a very popular tradition in these parts. However, itwas only just really beginning to make a true mark on the Middle Eastern and central Asian states by the 1st century, and the Valley of Bamiyan helped to Bring Buddhism even farther west. The art styles and philosophical teachings appealed to many people, especially along the Silk Road route where beliefs and ideals could be spread fairly easily. It was repeatedly mentioned in Chinese texts and thus became a major centre, well known among the Silk Road travellers. Because of this, many people had easy access to information and teachings, thus the spread quickened and its influence is very visible among the great Silk Road sites that still stand today.
The kingdoms of Bamiyan, now fully Islam, flourished for a few hundred years until the Mongols invaded and Genghis Khan sent in his most beloved grandson to command the army. The grandson was killed however, and Genghis himself vowed to come down hard on them, with no mercy. And that was exactly what he did. In 1222, the Mongol army stormed Bamiyan, the citadels and the villages and anything that breathed in the valley was mercilessly slaughtered. This was a devastating blow, of course, as now the Mongols, otherwise known as the Hazara’s, occupied the area, thus distancing the valley from the rest of Afghanistan and discouraging travellers from passing through anymore. Perhaps one of the main distancing factors would have to be the fact that the Hazara’s do not and will not practice Islam, thus not really having much respect from the rest of Islamic Afghanistan. And so, the once glorious valley lost its reputation and perhaps, was forgotten by many over the years.