Tapa Shotor
Afghanistan

Tapa Shotor

Large Sarvastivadin monastery with Hellenistic influences

Location

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Historical Context

About

Tapa Shotor, also known as Tape Shotor, was a significant Sarvastivadin monastery near Hadda, Afghanistan, illustrating a confluence of Greco-Buddhist and Hellenistic artistic traditions. The site, dating back to the 1st century BCE, reflects a unique historical timeline that includes periods under Indo-Scythian, Kushan, and Kidarite influences. The monastery's artistic creations, particularly its clay sculptures and statues, showcase the profound impact of Hellenistic art, possibly a result of Greek migration from the Greco-Bactrian cities. Key features of the site include religious structures like stupas and temples, alongside exquisite decorative elements such as statues and reliefs. Despite its historical significance, Tapa Shotor faced destruction by fire in the 9th century CE, ending centuries of religious and cultural legacy.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileHead_of_a_Buddha_or_Bodhisattva_facing_5th-6th_century_probably_Hadda_Tapa_Shotor.jpg
FileMap_of_Hadda_Charles_Masson_1841.jpg
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Kidarites occupation

4th-5th century CE

Pre-monastic period

35-12 BCE

First Buddhist period

155-187 CE

Creation of niche XIII

225-350 CE

Site inactive period

500-750 CE

Destruction by fire

9th century CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesStupa
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

StatuesClay SculpturesReliefs
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Afghanistan

Coordinates

34.37° N, 70.47° E