Kanishka, the greatest of Kushans, ruled from 128 to 151 AD. Trade flourished during his rule, with the Romans trading in gold for jewelry, perfumes, dyes, spices and textiles. Progress was made in medicine and literature.

Thousands of Buddhist monasteries and stupas were built and the best pieces of sculpture in the Gandhara school of art were produced.

He was killed in his sleep when his unending expansionist pursuits were resisted by his own people.

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