1. Why do you think Buddhism resonated so deeply with so many kings and rulers?
I think Buddhism offered many of the ruling powers a chance to find meaning once the reality of their conquests and monetary wealth became stagnant. That is, their power could only bring them so much happiness. Suffering is universal in that everyone suffers. Even Kings for whatever reason might find that the attainment of wealth, power, and killing could only offer just so much before leaving them with an empty void. Or perhaps it was the realization, in a similar manner to Siddhartha (i.e. being shielded or ignorant to the happenings of suffering around them) as to methods and results from which these conquests came from. What I mean by this is, that they might have been aware of there means but not the actual sight of the ends that came from them.
2. What elements were necessary for the spread of Buddhism?
The elements needed where a common goal which every person could relate to which was the end of suffering and common, if not slightly varied set of guidelines to reach that goal. There were also the need of a way to transmit this whether it was verbal or written in a way which all people could understand. Most specifically being able to interpret into different languages.
3. What, if anything, could rulers of today's world learn from the dharma?
I think the rulers of today could learn that even with their power, wealth, and control there is still a better way to not have to dominate, instill fear, or whatever means they use to control a people. For example: through compassion and kindness they could instill that same process into the people they are under them. They could put their people on the same level. They could understand that everyone suffers from all walks of life and what the give they will receive. What better way to rule than with kindness.
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