Early Access: Sign up to unlock all Pro features free through the end of 2026.
Biblexika

Bagan

EasternBuddhisttempleSoutheast Asia849 CE - 1300 CE
Loading map…

Location

Country
Myanmar
Region
Southeast Asia
Coordinates
21.1717, 94.8585
Era
849 CE - 1300 CE
Site Type
Temple
View on the Sacred Geography map

About

An ancient city on the Ayeyarwady River plain containing over 3,000 surviving Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries from the Pagan Empire.

Significance

The largest concentration of Buddhist temples in the world; the spiritual and cultural heartland of Burmese Buddhism and national identity.

History & Historical Arc

Capital of the Pagan Empire (9th–13th centuries); at its height c. 1057–1287, over 10,000 religious structures were buil

Archaeological Notes

Damaged by the 1975 earthquake and controversial post-1990 restoration work; ongoing surveys continue to identify unregi

Key Features & Structures

  • Ananda Temple (1105 CE)
  • Shwezigon Pagoda

Visitor Information

Open year-round; e-bikes and horse carts are the main transport modes. Hot-air balloon flights offer panoramic views Oct

Related Figures

King AnawrahtaKing KyanzitthaShin Arahan

In the Bible

Source References

  • UNESCO World Heritage List #1588
  • Hudson, Bob. 'The Origins of Bagan' (2004)