A Brief History of Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar history is one of the most complex histories in Asia. Best recollection as claimed in all Myanmar history books is that the first civilization was in 300 BC. These are the Mon, which are not original locals of the country but migrants from nearby places that settled in and named their Kingdom Suwarnabhumi in the city of Thaton. They were followed by the Pyu, who also established their own kingdoms in the hills and plains of the now known cities of Binnaka, Mongamo, Sri Ksetra, and Halingyi during the early 7th century. All these time, Burma or now Myanmar was part of the overland route from China to India.

By 849, Burman locals have filled the void of Pyu kingdoms by founding their own in the city of Bagan. Until the reign of Anawrahta in 1044 to 77, this powerful Burman kingdom was isolated. The overall unity of Myanmar was achieved through the victory of Anawrahta against the Mon in 1057. By 1364, following the collapse of Bagan authority, Myanmar reestablished their kingdom at the city of Ava. But they were overrun in 1527 by the Shan and survivors once again settled in Taungoo by 1531 through the efforts of Tabinshwehti from 1531 to 50. By 1753, Burmese leader Alaungpaya have once again collected all the cities of Myanmar and established a solid capital in Rangoon or now known as Yangon. Although Burma as known by that time is already known to the west, it was Marko Polo who came and discovered Myanmar and induced it to the west.