Fall of Civilizations Podcast - Episode 16: Bagan - City Of Temples

Host: Paul Cooper
Release Date: October 2, 2022

Introduction

In Episode 16 of the Fall of Civilizations podcast, host Paul Cooper delves into the rise and fall of the Bagan Empire, a medieval civilization in what is today Myanmar. Cooper explores the factors that contributed to Bagan's golden age of architectural splendor and the eventual decline that led to its collapse. Through historical accounts, poetic reflections, and firsthand descriptions from figures like Marco Polo, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of Bagan's storied past.

Marco Polo’s Early Encounter with Bagan

Paul Cooper opens the episode by recounting Marco Polo's travels in Southeast Asia during the late 13th century. As Polo traversed the forested mountains bordering modern Myanmar, he eventually encountered the magnificent city of Bagan—then known as Meen or Milen.

Notable Quote:
Marco Polo [02:38]: "After the journey of 15 days that has been mentioned, you reach the city of Milen, which is large, magnificent and the capital of the kingdom."

Despite witnessing signs of decline—abandoned homes and disrepair of temples—Bagan's golden temples stood out, symbolizing its former grandeur.

Geography and Early Settlements of Myanmar

Cooper provides a detailed geographical backdrop, highlighting Myanmar's vast landmass, bordered by India and China, and crisscrossed by significant rivers like the Irrawaddy. The Irrawaddy River, named after the mythical white elephant Iravati, was crucial for agriculture and settlement, supporting fertile lands in Myanmar's dry zone.

Notable Quote:
Paul Cooper [02:10]: "The Irrawaddy river winds for more than 2,000 km across the dry zone of Burma, through palm forests and scrublands, and around sandy islands."

Early inhabitants, referred to as the Pu people, established a network of city-states along the Irrawaddy, influenced by Indian Buddhism and culture. However, these settlements faced invasions, notably from the Nanchao kingdom, which sought to dominate the rich river valley.

Foundation and Rise of Bagan

Around 849 AD, following devastating raids by the Nanchao, the Mien tribe—ethnically related to the Burmese—founded the city of Bagan. King Anorata, a central figure in Bagan's early history, rose to power amidst familial strife and political upheaval.

Notable Quote:
Anurata [37:10]: "Anorata told that word to his father king, and his father said, because he wishes to take thy mother, thus he speaks."

King Anorata consolidated power by quelling internal rebellions and expanding his kingdom's infrastructure, including building forts and irrigation systems that enhanced agricultural productivity.

Golden Age: Architectural and Cultural Flourishing

Under successive rulers like King Chian Sita, Bagan entered its golden age, marked by the construction of over 4,000 temples and stupas. These architectural marvels were not only religious centers but also hubs of art, education, and cultural exchange.

Notable Quote:
Paul Cooper [67:28]: "From the small fortress capital that it had once been, Bagan expanded to fill an area of more than 100 square kilometers, or more than twice the size of ancient Rome."

The prosperity attracted artisans, scholars, and workers from across the region, turning Bagan into a vibrant metropolis. Temples like Tat Bin Yu and Ananda became symbols of Bagan's architectural genius and religious devotion.

Internal Struggles and Succession Conflicts

Despite its prosperity, Bagan was plagued by internal conflicts, including palace coups and assassination of kings. The Glass Palace Chronicle narrates the tumultuous reigns of kings like Anarata, Socate, and Naratu, whose tyrannical leadership eventually weakened the empire.

Notable Quote:
Anurata [38:22]: "When Socrate heard the words of his younger brother, he was exceedingly wrathful... And he smote him and pierced him with the arendama lance..."

These power struggles not only destabilized the royal court but also diverted resources away from infrastructural and cultural projects, setting the stage for decline.

Monastic Influence and Economic Decline

A significant factor in Bagan's decline was the accumulation of land and wealth by the Buddhist church. Initially intended to support religious activities, the church's tax-exempt status led to vast landholdings, effectively siphoning resources from the royal treasury.

Notable Quote:
Paul Cooper [89:55]: "The seeds that sowed the destruction of Bagan are what earlier made its success possible."

As the church amassed more land, the state's financial resources dwindled, limiting its ability to fund military campaigns and maintain infrastructure. This economic strain made Bagan vulnerable to both internal rebellions and external invasions.

External Threat: Mongol Invasion

The final blow to the Bagan Empire came with the expansionist ambitions of Kublai Khan, the Mongol Emperor. Initially seeking tribute, the Burmese king Naratiapate's refusal to submit led to Mongol military campaigns against Bagan.

Notable Quote:
Paul Cooper [103:07]: "When the king's army had arrived in the plain and was within a mile of the enemy, he caused all the castles that were on the elephants to be ordered for battle..."

The Mongols, adept at warfare and accustomed to open-field battles, effectively countered Bagan's war elephants and fortifications. Descriptions from Marco Polo attest to the overwhelming military prowess of the Mongols, leading to decisive defeats for Bagan's forces.

Collapse of the Bagan Empire

Following relentless Mongol assaults and internal fragmentation, Bagan's centralized power disintegrated. Successive assassinations and the king's inability to maintain authority culminated in the empire's collapse by the late 13th century.

Notable Quote:
Paul Cooper [115:32]: "The kingdom of Bagan declined because the factors that had nurtured it in the first place became, in time, forces that contradicted and destroyed it."

With the empire fragmented and its infrastructure decaying, Bagan's temples gradually fell into ruin, leaving behind a legacy of architectural splendor overshadowed by the civilization's downfall.

Conclusion

Episode 16 of the Fall of Civilizations podcast offers a rich narrative of the Bagan Empire's ascent and decline. Through a blend of historical accounts, poetic insights, and firsthand observations, Paul Cooper illustrates how internal power struggles, economic mismanagement, and relentless external pressures led to the fall of one of Southeast Asia's most illustrious civilizations. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between cultural prosperity and political stability in the longevity of empires.

Notable Quotes:

• Marco Polo [02:38]: "After the journey of 15 days that has been mentioned, you reach the city of Milen, which is large, magnificent and the capital of the kingdom."

• Anurata [37:10]: "Anorata told that word to his father king, and his father said, because he wishes to take thy mother, thus he speaks."

• Paul Cooper [67:28]: "From the small fortress capital that it had once been, Bagan expanded to fill an area of more than 100 square kilometers, or more than twice the size of ancient Rome."

• Paul Cooper [89:55]: "The seeds that sowed the destruction of Bagan are what earlier made its success possible."

• Marco Polo [103:07]: "When the king's army had arrived in the plain and was within a mile of the enemy, he caused all the castles that were on the elephants to be ordered for battle..."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key points from Episode 16, providing a clear and engaging overview for listeners and those unfamiliar with the podcast.