Myanmar's Unifying Kingdom | The Mark Of Empire | Bagan

The Bagan Empire was first to unify the territory of present-day Myanmar under Burmese language and culture, that grew into a world-renowned centre of Buddhist learning. Host Peter Lee learns how its fabled king, Anawrahta, overcame the dry conditions of his land by taming rivers into canals and weirs which are still used today. As a bigger harvest grew his population, Bagan was ripe for expansion, and Peter takes part in the traditional elephant dance that celebrates a Buddhist pilgrimage of King Anawrahta’s. While the Bagan king wished to turn Bagan into a new Buddhist state, Peter heads to a sacred mountain to see the battle that unfolded between Buddhism and Myanmar’s indigenous animist gods, called Nats. It's expansion transformed Bagan into a capital of diverse peoples, who each brought their own in founding a new Burmese culture and identity. And the legacy of its temple building still lives on in a strong faith that’s practiced among the Burmese people today.

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About the series: Host Peter Lee explores the history of four Southeast Asian empires that made their mark on the world. Travelling from Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia to Indonesia, Peter explores ancient ruins, epic legends and vibrant traditions to chart the rise and fall of four distinct empires, and how their legacy still shapes cultures and identities in the region today
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[markzaspa]

One of the best places I've visited.. had goosebumps while driving around the ancient temples and artworks. It's like going back in time. Indeed a gem of our Southeast Asian civilization.

[babetravelling]

Aside from the nicest archeological site I've ever seen, Bagan has the best people too. I had an accident here from an ebike upon hitting a cow. I couldn't move and if this happened somewhere I would have been robbed or worst. The local saved me, brought me to the hospital and returned the ebike with all of my things.

[THENEBRETEAM]

We are filipinos and we're living in Myanmar for many years before the civil war started most of our videos is in Myanmar we love Myanmar we have lots of local friends there and we missed them so much.

[shajahan]

Myanmar is a wonderful country! I love Myanmar, from India - Tamilnadu

[tonymoly]

I recently visited Bagan in October 2019. I love it at first sight and the mystic that surrounds its rich history was captivating. I was blown away by the 3000 brick coloured pagodas, stupas and temples that dot the vast plains of Bagan. It’s clearly a gem and an underrated venue. My favourite temple is the milky white Ananda Temple which has one of the most beautiful, complex and intricate architecture and design. I’ll be sure to visit Bagan again for a panoramic view of it from a hot-air balloon which costs about $300 usd for an hour trip.

[daring-depths]

I hope the situation in Myanmar tapers off soon. This is an amazing country with so much rich history and culture, so beautiful people. I will definitely visit Myanmar one day before i die. Love from Northeast India, your neighbor.

[dssin]

Love from Cambodia, I can’t wait to visit Burma!

[arkae]

I was here around 5 years ago and I can honestly say that this is one of the most magical places that I've been to. It feels like being transported to a different time where you can see the pagodas, climb atop (if permitted), catch a glimpse of the sunrise or sunset or just simply take in the panoramic view of the city.

[kamalhasan]

"Burma (Myanmar) - Nice Country, Nice Peoples" - KAMALAHASAN MOORTHY

[alkenwong]

I miss every moment, everything and everyone in Bagan, the best trip of my life.

[rarindraprakarsa]

I hope i will come again after 7 times visiting this incredible ancient city. Anyway January is best time to visit

[franciscojess]

Amazing! Asia’s last hidden gem! Less travelled, raw and mysterious: Bagan! Definitely love to go back and scrutinised this amazing place!

[dhammawiranathakundala]

I have been there 10 times now and have seen its moving through time since 1983. It is for me as Western Buddhist a fantastic, inspiring and uplifting place. It enhances my aspiration every time I visit the Golden Land. This is a very nice documentary showing its true potential and greatness, and how the great Anawrahta managed to unite the different peoples of his time. He blended the Mon culture from Thaton with his own and the Pyu, making the Buddha's Teaching to perform wholesome deeds, to avoid unwholesome deeds and to purify the mind (through meditation) the corner stone of a true nation.

[Johnnymin]

This documentary film is wonderful and great in capturing the historic and modern Bagan. Thank you, Peter Lee and CNA insider. Love from 🇲🇲

[ruthsubodro]

I'm Indonesian. Thank you CNA for sharing the beautiful of Bagan

[cindy]

Even as a burmese who have been to Bagan for quite a number of times, i still couldn't get enough of this city. You really need to go there and feel yourself. This city will always be in the heart of all Burmese.

[AGGARessiv]

Omg I am Myanmar citizen and I didn't even know that swastikas marks is at the reservoir! Thank you so much. Incredible insight about Bagan.

[yuanjohn]

I've been friends with some of Burmese people named Koko and Tata, I miss them so much, learning their culture is definitely interesting. love and respect from the Philippines!!!!

[sithuyeyint]

I pride myself on being a Myanmar citizen and "Bagan" is always in my heart. We also thank you for the presentation and sharing the great histories, traditions, and cultures of my golden land country. By the way, I really wanna see you with Myanmar traditional costume in this video-cast and I believe that you will more good-looking and attractive. We warmly invite you all to visit MYANMAR ❤❤❤

[Alfazri]

To all my South East Asian brothers and sisters, hello from Indonesia. And thanks Peter Lee and CNA for this amazing episode!