Fall of Civilizations Podcast 16. Bagan - City Of Temples
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Oct 2, 2022 Marco Polo encounters a dazzling city of thousands of temples, and the story turns to Bagan’s rise along Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River. Kings, rivalries, Buddhist power struggles and war elephants shape the empire’s colorful history, before Mongol pressure and internal turmoil leave its once-grand capital in ruins.
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Marco Polo's Visit to Bagan
- Marco Polo travelled through Southeast Asia in 1293 and encountered the city of Mi-Yen (Bagan).
- He was impressed by the city's size and the abundance of golden temples, despite signs of decline.
The Irrawaddy's Influence
- Myanmar's geography, especially the Irrawaddy River, shaped its history and culture.
- The river served as a highway, facilitating trade and communication.
Naming Burma/Myanmar
- The Burmese language has different registers, impacting how the country is named.
- "Bama" is informal, "Myanmar" poetic; the British used "Burma".