Gandhāran Buddhist art is extensively studied and admired for its aesthetic appeal and its synthesis of diverse cultural elements. This uniqueness is largely attributed to Gandhāra’s strategic location, a key factor in its emergence as one of history’s great civilizations. This chapter provides an overview of the history of Gandhāra, tracing its various names as documented by scholars, travelers, and historians, with particular attention to the accounts of Chinese pilgrims. It further examines how royal patronage fostered the development and spread of Buddhism, including its art and literature, which ultimately led to the tradition flourishing beyond the region. Gandhāran Buddhism originated, developed, and declined within this area, leaving a lasting impact on its cultures. This chapter also discusses how the region's Buddhist communities effectively utilized the local landscape, which provided a conducive environment for producing not only Buddhist plastic art but also rock paintings and murals (frescoes), which are discussed in detail in the following chapters.