Roman objects in the Begram hoard and the memory of Greek rule in Kushan Central Asia

This chapter introduces the Begram hoard and the problems of interpreting its wider significance. Prompted by new chronological data, it reconsiders the appeal of the Roman objects in the hoard within the context of Kushan Central Asia. The unique objects in this corpus raise questions, as there is little evidence thus far that Roman objects had any specific appeal in this space. It is proposed that Roman objects could have been read as Greek to their consumers, and that their value was shaped by the potency and prestige associated with the memory of Greek rule, adjusted to new local practices.