This period was characterized by a high level of urbanization in the Indus Valley and
Bactria, greater trade connections between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia, and expansion of the arable land in the empire. The Kushan Empire was located on the meeting points of the
Sasanian and
Parthian empires,
Han China, and the various
Indian kingdoms to the east. French historian
Alain Daniélou states "For a time, the Kushana Empire was the centerpoint of the major civilizations". The peace and prosperity brought by the Kushan Empire resulted in new styles of
art and
coinage, and strengthened the
Indo-Roman trade links. ==See also==