description Pagan Empire Overview
The Pagan Empire, also called the Bagan Kingdom, was a medieval state centered on the Irrawaddy valley in what is now Myanmar. From roughly the ninth to the thirteenth century, its rulers consolidated territory and supported Theravada Buddhist institutions, producing the temple and stupa landscape at Bagan. The surviving monuments, inscriptions, and religious foundations make Pagan a major source for the study of Burmese history, art, and architecture.
help Pagan Empire FAQ
What was the Pagan Empire, and where was it located?
The Pagan Empire, also called the Bagan Kingdom, was a medieval state centered in the Irrawaddy valley of present-day Myanmar. Its capital and sacred landscape flourished mainly between the 11th and 13th centuries.
How many monuments survive at Bagan?
The UNESCO World Heritage property records 3,595 monuments, including temples, stupas, monasteries, and other Buddhist structures. Temple construction reached its peak in the 13th century.
What role did Theravada Buddhism play in the Pagan Empire?
Theravada Buddhist merit-making shaped both religious life and royal building programs at Bagan. UNESCO describes the king as the chief donor during the Bagan period, linking temple construction with political authority.
When did Bagan become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Bagan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. The property is organized as eight components along a bend of the Ayeyarwady River.
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