Beikthano, Archaeological site in Magway Region, Myanmar
Beikthano is an ancient city spread across 300 hectares within thick brick walls, containing the remains of Buddhist temples, monasteries, and palace buildings. The structures are arranged in a rectangular pattern that you can still trace as you walk through the site.
The city flourished between 200 BCE and 100 CE as a major center of the Pyu civilization. It represented one of the region's earliest large urban societies in ancient Southeast Asia.
Buddhist monks and settlers left behind pottery, coins, and stone carvings that show how different peoples shared this place. Walking through the ruins, you can sense the spiritual importance these buildings once held for the communities that gathered here.
Visit during the dry season from November to March when conditions are most comfortable for walking around. Guided tours are offered to help you understand the layout and significance of the different structures you encounter.
Ground-penetrating radar scans have revealed buried structures beneath the earth that have not yet been excavated. These hidden remains suggest that much of the ancient city still awaits discovery by archaeologists.
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