THE BRITISH LIBRARY:
The Buddha’s long ‘journey’ to Europe and Africa. Yes, I know the Buddha is not usually a subject for PaleoJudaica. But the Legend of Barlaam and Josaphat is of some interest because of its wide transmission in relevant languages, including Hebrew, Greek, Ge’ez, Armenian, Georgian Arabic, Uigur, Syriac, and Judeo-Persian. There is a connection with
Turfan (cf.
here) as well. It went on to be transmitted in many European languages.
I have never posted on this remarkable text before, so have a look at this post at the British Library's Asian and African studies blog, with reference to their upcoming exhibition,
Buddhism.
HT Steve Dodson at the
Language Hat Blog.
Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.
