The History of Bagan
Bagan is an ancient city located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River in central Myanmar. It rose to prominence in the 11th century under the leadership of King Anawrahta, who united many smaller kingdoms to form the powerful Bagan Empire. As a devoted follower of Theravāda Buddhism, King Anawrahta played a major role in spreading the religion throughout Myanmar, which greatly influenced the culture and identity of the region. During the height of its power, between the 11th and 13th centuries, Bagan became a major center for religion, art, and education. More than 10,000 temples, pagodas, stupas, and monasteries were built across the vast Bagan plains.
These religious monuments were constructed not only by kings but also by monks, nobles, and wealthy citizens as a way to earn merit and show their faith. Many of the temples feature detailed carvings, colorful murals, and beautiful sculptures depicting the life of the Buddha and Buddhist teachings.
Bagan was also a center of Buddhist scholarship and learning. Monks and scholars from Myanmar and other countries came to study religious texts and preserve important manuscripts. The city’s monasteries served as places of study, meditation, and teaching, helping to spread Buddhist knowledge throughout Southeast Asia.
The golden age of Bagan came to an end in 1287 when Mongol invaders led by Kublai Khan attacked the city. This invasion caused the collapse of the Bagan Empire, and the city’s political power declined. Over the centuries, many temples fell into ruin or were abandoned due to natural disasters and neglect. Despite this decline, Bagan remained a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims and continued to attract visitors seeking spiritual inspiration.
Today, over 2,000 temples and pagodas still stand across the Bagan plains, making it one of the largest and richest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Recognizing its outstanding cultural and historical significance, UNESCO declared Bagan a World Heritage Site in 2019.
Bagan continues to be a symbol of Myanmar’s rich religious heritage, artistic achievement, and cultural resilience. It is a living monument where the past and present connect, inspiring people from Myanmar and around the world.