Bagan, city of Buddhist pagodas

Timeline

1. 1044–1100Bagan · BaganAfter King Anawrahta unified the Irrawaddy basin he established the capital at Bagan, promoted Theravada Buddhism, and built early brick pagodas such as the Shwezigon, inaugurating a tradition of large-scale religious construction in the capital.
2. 1200–1250Bagan · BaganIn the 13th century rulers such as King Narathihapati continued building pagodas, and great structures such as the Dhammayangyi and Htilominlo were completed; the city held thousands of pagodas and temples, making Bagan the center of Buddhist architecture and art in Southeast Asia.
3. 1100–1250Bagan archaeological zone · Mandalay RegionBagan pagodas are renowned for their red-brick construction, stucco carving, and murals; pagoda forms range from square pyramids and cylinders to bell-shaped stupas, and the murals reflect Theravada jataka tales and contemporary social life.
4. 1277–1287Northern Myanmar · MyanmarYuan forces invaded Myanmar in 1277, and in 1287 King Narathihapati abandoned the city; the Pagan dynasty existed in name only. The capital lost its status as political center, but the pagoda complexes survive to this day as the core of Myanmar's Buddhist cultural heritage.