Pagan (also known as Bagan) was an important ancient kingdom in Myanmar. Its first king Anawrahta reigned from 1044-1077.

Temples in Pagan.

Anawrahta is said to have been converted to Theravada Buddhism by a Mon monk, after which he made a pilgrimage to Sri Lanka, returning to successfully convert his country, though other beliefs persisted. In 1287 the kingdom fell to the Mongols, after refusing to pay tribute.

Neighbours

• Thaton (to the south, in modern-day Burma) until subdued in 1057
• Nanzhao (to the north, in modern-day Yunnan province, China)

Rulers

See also

History of Buddhism