16. Bagan - City of Temples

AUDIO ONLY! FOR VIDEO: • 16. Bagan - City of Te...
In the lowlands of Burma lie the remains of thousands of crumbling temples...
In this episode, we tell one of the most colourful stories of civilizational survival: the story of the Bagan Empire of Myanmar. Find out how this kingdom rose up in the Irrawaddy river valley of central Myanmar, and built one of the most remarkable series of monuments to have survived from the medieval world. Discover what life was like for the people who lived there, and find out what happened to cause its sudden and complete collapse.
SOURCES: / 72823363
Voice actors:
Paul Casselle
Michael Hajiantonis
Nick Denton
Alexandra Boulton
Jay Forrester
Readings in Burmese were performed by Daniel San.
Sound engineering by Alexey Sibikin.
Title theme: Home at Last by John Bartmann

[@outdoorsinnewengland2667]

You have no idea the feeling I get when I see a new one of these are released. I'm a GoT fan, and I get more hyped seeing one of these drop than a new GoT episode. These are so well made. If the History Channel had only made videos like these instead of Ancient Aliens and the like... And instead some really hard working bloke from the UK is getting it done. Praise be. I can't imagine the work that goes into these. Heartfelt thanks.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks my friend, very kind of you!

[@jondavidgriffin]

Each one of these is a work of art.

[@JasonP6339]

You and I both, sister

[@matthewbauman2470]

Im glad im not the only one lol, i was listening to an audio book then this popped up and i couldnt have clicked faster

[@Neuri]

Thumbs up for using the correct terminology “bloke” 👊

[@basstard13]

I fear the level of excitement I get when a new Fall of Civilizations episode turns up in the notifications is a tad above what's probably considered sane.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Haha welcome back

[@basstard13]

@@FallofCivilizations it's me who's gotta welcome you back! Greetings from Roma, Italia Paul and thanks a lot for your wonderful work!

[@joangordoneieio]

my excited utterance when seeing the notification startled my cat

[@sophie_arkenstone1484]

Same.

[@valleriew8917]

I love the fact that there's no trailer... no media hype... it's just like a surprise present from a secret admirer, that shows up on your doorstep 🎁

[@Player_kai_gaming]

As a citizen of Myanmar, I thank you for this from the bottom of my heart. I’ve been to Bagan over 60 times in my lifetime since I am intrigued by ancient civilizations and mythical Bagan is Myanmar’s one and only surviving city of ancient structures and temples 💛

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks my friend, so glad you enjoyed!

[@Player_kai_gaming]

@@FallofCivilizations I watched it in one sitting mate. It was a pleasure and appreciate your work very much.

[@jordanf8797]

I visited in Feb/March 2015 it was amazing!! I'll never forget Myanmar.

[@Player_kai_gaming]

@@jordanf8797 nice brother. I wish you can visit again. I just hope my country politics gets better

[@B727X]

Burma is easier just call it that?

[@Illusion_____]

As someone of the Burmese diaspora and a long time fan of your work, thank you for this episode. It's amazing to have a cohesive timeline and narrative of the disjointed yet familiar names and stories from the folktales of my childhood being presented in a beautiful two hours. Truly enjoyed it

[@gyllenspetzfamily7993]

Happy you could receive this gift. Free Burma.

[@edwardbrown1811]

Cool!

[@diegomaraqona10]

Let's go! New episode for me to watch again & again & again... 🙂 Keep up the amazing work Paul

[@dark_fire_ice]

Took the words out of my mouth, the playlist is my most listened to

[@CJJonesLO]

I was so happy to be scrolling through and see and be episode. Made my day.

[@noneyabeeswax3200]

❤❤

[@jcawly1]

I am so glad I am not the only one!😂

[@SaltySpark]

Thought i was the only psycho that keep relistening to the episodes. I'm partial to the Sumer and Akkad episodes

[@Nameless742]

I had never heard of Bagan! Thanks for bringing so many civilisations to life for us.

[@dayangmarikit6860]

The whole city is dotted with thousands of temples. This is a virtual tour of Bagan. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH-tXqF6gLysntU

[@ridespirals]

as much as I love episodes about civilizations I'm familiar with (the sumerians episode is my favorite, I've watched that one like ten times), the ones I've never heard of are awesome.

[@mikehardwicke23]

I have. Worked there briefly 10 years ago. Fascinating place, lovely people. Must return.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

I’ve never heard of it either. Something very interesting to relax with after a rather long day, can’t wait to listen to this.

[@fionamcgregor4268]

I know it as Pagan

[@Fjodor.Tabularasa]

Bagan.. I have been there twice. In 2005 and in 2011. It is a stunningly beautiful city, even in ruins. Thank you very very much for highlighting this little known culture. Burma/Myanmar is a pearl of a country. Unfortunately ravaged by many decades of warfare. P.s. last night I was listening again to your masterpiece The Assyrians.

[@OM-ex8be]

Loved the Assyrian doc too. The Byzantine episode is my fav.

[@tomm5663]

I love this podcast so much. The parts you do at the end on walking through the streets of a dying city always make my eyes water. It’s just such a beautiful, melancholy feeling, and you do it perfectly every single time.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Tom, very kind

[@Bydesign777]

1 second after posting this vid and it already has 34 views. Thats how you know you've found a quality channel.

[@gyllenspetzfamily7993]

We know it is time, like pets who smell dinner we are aware of the schedule...😆

[@luismuniznon-conformistath6623]

This has been out for an hour and already has over 70 comments. Glad to see I am not the only one who loves this channel!

[@zymurgea]

I cannot recommend this series enough; each more fascinating and full of revelations that history books omit. Thank you.

[@Tenderbits]

The piano riff in your introduction is one of the most beautiful, iconic melodies I think I’ve ever heard. It perfectly captures a sense of melancholy, beauty, and even tenderness for who, in the end, are human subjects that I believe we are all drawn to connect with through these stories. Your content is the only thing that stands shoulder to shoulder with Dan Carlin’s work. Amazing content.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks my friend

[@tejdandekar]

Man I love this series! I'm glad you cover civilizations most channels never hear about!

[@jamesdeen3011]

no one covers a civilization like you do. 👍👍💯

[@jojojacques810]

I think I’m gonna cry!!! Saving this for some serious me time! Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@atypicalprogrammer5777]

I like how you bring attention to these underappreciated civilizations. Do you one day plan to cover the Tibetan Empire (618-842)? Definitely one of the most unexpected places to find an empire.

[@FallofCivilizations]

It's an interesting idea! I'll have a look into it.

[@alessandrodelogu7931]

This is really a good idea.

[@mynamedoesntmatter8652]

Ooo, that would be interesting!

[@eldispone]

The lords of the tea routes.

[@shukalope8743]

Your series has educated me on history in a way I never even imagined possible and in another way you have helped me so much more. I have faced so many personal struggles in my recent history and it is listening to these podcast every single night that has put my mind and body at ease, I will never be able to express my gratitude towards you for your efforts. the words simply do not exist. all I can do is say thankyou and continue to listen. I do not know you, but you are and forever will be a friend and a mentor within my mind. Thankyou.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Shuka. There is a healing power to storytelling. I hope things get better for you soon. This too will pass!

[@tommywyc]

The only KZbin notification I look forward to! You're a legend Paul, can't wait to dive in

[@FallofCivilizations]

Hope you enjoy Tom!

[@tommywyc]

@@FallofCivilizations brilliant as always, huge congrats to you and your team

[@IrinaAlexander1]

Yes!!! Finally! My favourite podcast ever!

[@timothymiller6426]

The enjoyment I got from seeing this notification was unparalleled. Such a wonderful experience!

[@marroosh9771]

I can only imagine how much research and hard work goes into these episodes. Love it!

[@johnbono2384]

the only problem is the videos are so well-produced I almost want to wait to watch it... but you know I'm going to listen to the podcast anyway and watch the video later regardless!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Haha yeah this will be a good looking one I think

[@22vx]

Wonderful, as always 👌 Sincere thanks for continuing to share 💛

[@olorin4317]

Great episode. I listen to the podcast first and I love how audio only ignites my imagination. Then I love watching the video version later to see if any of the real images are close to my brain pictures.

[@Summer_Snows]

I've had the honor to visit Bagan and it is one of the most amazing moments of my life. The grand temples are beautiful, but even greater was the feeling of exploring a region by yourself. Travling around the plain on a moped, I discovered a small building that wasnt a temple, none of the Buddhist iconography was present. And judging by the immense amount of cobwebs, I was the first person there in a long time, exploring this building, getting onto its top floor and looking out. Truly, truly amazing

[@andyoates8392]

The Fall Of Civilisations Podcast sets a benchmark for the reach our own civilisation has achieved in understanding those who came before us and who we are now. So happy to see a new episode, thanks for all your hard work. 😊💚♾️

[@mikehardwicke23]

Agree - Puts our current global predicament into perspective! 👍

[@ChefClary60]

This may be the most important and certainly the most entertaining and informative, historical series on KZbin. Thank you Paul!

[@zackk6819]

I think I put my finger on why I love your videos so much. Compared to tv movies video games and even actual books, listening to your videos not only educate and entertain me but more profoundly touches on an ancient yet simple human experience. The experience of being told a good story. One of history civilization disaster and most importantly one of human lives and people so different and distant from myself and yet so similar as well. Thank you for all your wonderful work.

[@TG-nd9rj]

This is going to sound weird, but I mean it in a positive way: I love listening to these videos to fall asleep at night! Not in the sense that they bore me to sleep, but your voice is so easy to listen to and the way you bring history to life allows my imagination to lull me to sleep. I have to go back during the day to listen again and actually get the full story 🤣 amazing episodes as always, thank you for all the work you do to make these!

[@persebra]

Nothing weird about it. I do the same, although I admit I am a little weird... but seriously, this podcast is extremely hypnotic

[@thoughtsforthebuilders]

Let's gooooo. This'll be my first episode that I indulge the audio version first, then I'll get to rewatch the video version next (:

[@mojobudgiekayakfishing]

I just want to thank the History channel for cashing out short term on ancient aliens and curse of oak island fodder. If they didn’t, we may have never experienced this gorgeous renaissance of history content being produced on YT such as this

[@peterweeks2066]

I’ve just had an old university friend stay overnight (we graduated 40 years ago). We were talking about which podcasts and KZbin channels we liked, and both agreed Fall of Civilisations is the very best. Paul’s voice is so right as narrator. He builds a narrative with background detail that carries enormous emotional feeling of ages past, whilst at the same time imparting the history is a matter-of-fact manner. Better than anything on TV. By the way, my friend and I are both farmers, with a deep attachment to the history of our respective locales.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Peter, really glad you're both enjoying!

[@krellion671]

We've been waiting my dude. Thanks cant wait to listen!

[@alessandrodelogu7931]

Another interesting story about a civilization I did not expect. The way these Burmese chronicles relate the history of the Bagan kingdom really feels like a chivalric novel. The poems are also very beautiful. I didn't know that Myanmar had such a rich poetic tradition. The excessive power and wealth of the priesthood were also a cause of decline for the New Kingdom of Egypt. The priests became rich and powerful enough to compete with the government, resulting in the fragmentation of the state. I wonder whether you will deal or not with Egypt in the future. You would either have to make a very long video or at least two or three, to cover completely such a long-lasting civilization. Otherwise you could make something about Medieval Armenia, starting from the ruins of Ani, the Kievan Rus or the Kushan Empire.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Yes I will do Egypt in some respect at some point, although as you say it is hard to choose a cutoff point.

[@loveli420]

Egypt is broken down into I believe 3 major periods. Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom. Perhaps these would serve as markers for you to break down what you cover?

[@alessandrodelogu7931]

@@loveli420 I think that the best partition would be Ancient and Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom and Ptolemaic Egypt.

[@alessandrodelogu7931]

@@FallofCivilizations with China it was easier, because there is a clear succession of dynasties with good records. Egypt is much more ancient, and there are many dark spots and ambiguities.

[@justadad6677]

Been waiting for the next episode. Must have listened to all the others a dozen time. It's mesmerizing.

[@theredwhirlwin]

When I saw this I jumped up to tell my fam, we are all so excited to listen to this and in a bit we'll be able to watch it! So excited, thank yoooouuuu!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Hope you all enjoy!

[@theredwhirlwin]

@@FallofCivilizationsWe did! I'm sure you get this all the time, but your doing amazing work, so appreciated in so many ways, thank you and everyone who works with you!

[@PatrickLongblkwhtrbbt]

These are always a massive delight. PLEASE do these until forever

[@Larsemillarsen]

I NEED the video version in my life! You are by far the best documentarist I’ve ever witnessed, Paul.

[@KeepFeedingMeImStillHungry]

WOOOOO! I can't wait to get off work so I can listen to this! Thank you so much for making these.

[@guymanuel4260]

Thank you for all you do.

[@mergencytype3846]

🙏🏽 Needed a new one. Thanks for enriching my days.

[@janetleeadams7287]

Narrator is fantastic. I wish I had an audio book read by him.

[@spacelemming4493]

Just what I needed on my long journey home

[@jessealexander9074]

Exactly the civilization I wanted! Cant wait to give it a listen, thank you!

[@cafesociety8525]

Its surprising how excited I get when you upload a new video. Thanks mate, great channel.

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

YAY thank you! :) you get a lot of views from me because I listen to your videos almost every night to fall asleep. it's the best channel for this that I have found. the only problem are some of the guest narrators (more in older videos) who read their parts too energetically.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Welcome back!

[@loveli420]

I do the same!! If it's not Fall of Civilizations, it's either Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, or "Immortal Egypt" with Dr. Joann Fletcher. Highly recommend both to you if you ever desire a change of pace!

[@Ass_of_Amalek]

@@loveli420 thank you for the recommendations :)

[@jameskazd9951]

@@loveli420 I also use this channel for sleep, the narration is relaxing History Time's "Entire History of [ ]" series is another one i use and you might like, just released a 4 and a half hour video on the Maya a week or so ago. my favorite episode is probably Entire History of Steppe Nomads & City Builders

[@assemagelismagalles]

i discovered your podcast on spotify and listen to it at work, im now at the byzantium episode and all the episodes have been awesome!

[@2lefThumbs]

That Maugham section, like many of your podcast/videos, shows what a man of the world Percy Shelley must have been to write Ozymandias in his 20s. Truly gripping episode, thanks to you and your team👍👍

[@GwainMusic]

That feeling when a new Fall of Civilisation episode drops, partly because I've listened to the others about a hundred times through, a novel episode is a good day!

[@valerieo1432]

Thank you so much! I've listened to every episode several times and I can't wait to listen to this one! You're the best, Paul

[@micheallinke9278]

I love it when a series is posted on someplace I have been, helps as even when you read of a place its nice to have a pod cast to listen to to build more context.

[@Tombomber8888]

This is such an excellent choice for the new episode. Bagan is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever laid eyes on.

[@ChineseKiwi]

new episode! HYPE HYPE HYPE! Paul, you are an **amazing** storyteller, along with your obvious passion and archaeological knowledge.

[@JohnyByrne]

Such a great story. This is compelling and immersive work. Thanks so much!

[@godfreyofibelin301]

I started this on Spotify about 30 minutes ago, had to drop by to give my thanks and appreciation! It’s always a blessing and an exciting time when an alert from your channel pops up! Thank you! One of the best series on the platform!

[@biendereviere]

So glad I found your amazing channel! 😍 I thought I knew quite a bit on human history, but you’ve proven me wrong 😅 Thanks Paul for satisfying my never ending hunger for new knowledge; please keep up making these great and hugely appreciated videos. I really love them and always look forward to a new upload!

[@chicopaisagem]

Yet another Master Piece. You sir are the Sir David Attenborough of History

[@davidreynolds4294]

Another wonderful episode, these always leave me awe struck with what has gone before us. The beauty and complexity of civilisations that all but disappeared from most peoples memory but are recreated here in all their glory . What does it also say about the precariousness of our own times? Thank you so much for creating these windows into the past, without doubt they are the best thing I’ve come across with a lifetime love of history and travel. Please continue to enthrall us with the fantastic series!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks David, very kind of you!

[@canchero724]

I would imagine the ruins of a New York or Tokyo would shock future archaeologists. Today's cities, though lacking in beauty, have sheer size working in their favour.

[@ayushsrinet2809]

Just wanted to say thank you for getting me back into history through this fantastic series!

[@michaeladu6120]

I first found out about Bagan on Wikipedia (where it's spelt Pagan) and just yesterday, I was wondering if there was a KZbin video on the topic. I didn't even search for it. I just found this in my recommendation right now and I should say that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! Yes, Pagan is the slightly more old fashioned transliteration, but there is little agreement anywhere, and some places that use one spelling for the city and another for the kingdom. I went ahead and used the modern form for both, partly to avoid confusion with the English word "pagan".

[@paulvamben3861]

Fall of civilisations is my favourite podcast, so pleased a new one has dropped, quality work as usual Paul. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for producing these podcasts, this is superb content.

[@sebastianucero7535]

I really apreciate the effort and quality of your work. Is a very good feeling when i get the notification of your channel. Thank you and congratulations

[@MQuadrucci]

Add my voice to the sound of the crowd of your fans rejoicing in a new video about a place I've never heard of but will be enthusiastically-but-reverently teleporting to 100 times... at least. Even when listening passively I always recognize and appreciate your pitch and tone - your stories are, after all, about souls... Thank you for nourishing my brains, it feels good.

[@SinnerChrono]

Thank you for the best long form history content on youtube.

[@jenerhart7025]

I was so excited to see a new episode that I immediately ditched how I had planned to spend my evening and listened to this instead. I learn so much about civilizations I never knew existed when I listen to your podcasts. Thank you so very much!

[@raqueldillett3499]

So excited to listen to this new narrative! My husband and I replay all the old ones-we love the content as well as your soothing voice. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks to you both!

[@PhilosoFeed]

Ahh, seeing this new release made my day.

[@kgaster25]

I check twice a day..hoping and praying, the wait is over!! Love all you do ty for all the work!!

[@dutchmiracles]

You have no idea how happy I am with this upload, the timing is perfect! Thank you for creating these super interesting and relaxing podcasts.

[@smg-mtg1924]

Thanks so much for this podcast. Your attention to history and detail is appreciated.

[@abeschreier]

Thank you Paul & team! Like many I’ve only cursorily heard of Bagan. What a wonderful choice for you to cover.

[@therabman_5606]

A new video… today has just became a very good day indeed! I listen to these everyday to get me through work

[@eleonb]

I’m subscribed to several dozen excellent KZbin channels, but this is literally the only one for which I have the notifications activated. Awesome episode as always. Thanks Paul!

[@sohama2967]

You deserve more views. The imersion i get from listening to this. Only other time I get this exited about a podcast/video is when Dan Carlin releases one.

[@launchtexasintothesunforev9551]

Yeyyyyyyy it’s never a dull drive when I got this on my podcast

[@sebastianbelau9379]

Thank you Paul! It is always a pleasure to listen to your ever improving podcasts!

[@rifham]

Thanks for new episode. These are great to listen to while painting the house!

[@LaurenMiddleton28]

These are masterpieces.. So informative.. so well researched.

[@DamonNomad82]

I was already a fan of your series, but this one hits close to home for me. My mom grew up in northern Thailand, just to the east of Myanmar/Burma, and the two lands are very similar in many ways. The description of the houses on stilts (my mom's family lived in one, which was old and leaning precariously, so they hired a man with an elephant to pull it straight before they moved in) and of the uses of teak wood (one of my mom's prize keepsakes is a large trunk made of teak wood) were especially fascinating.

[@rosiehawtrey]

Hmm, I need to build that style of house, with a lean - so as I can pull it into line with an elephant just to see the look on the insurance company cretins face when I claim... Elephants (and titanosaurs) have very interesting feet - kind of like a biological car tyre. They found 17 different fossils in one titanosaur footprint - they'd fallen into the quicksand and drowned.

[@FreeFallingAir]

This channel is a true treasure! Enjoyed as always, Very interesting and informative. Keep up the great work and take care of yourself. I'm looking forward to the next!

[@euchiron]

This is an entirely new and fascinating subject to me and I love it. The voice presentations from you and your colleagues convey a reverence and fascination I love and I've been hooked since the first episode I heard. ❤️

[@Wamagirii]

Brilliant episode yet again. Thank you Paul and your team.

[@blsfan1973]

Here we go again .... the best docs on the planet ...once again Paul you've nailed it

[@brassteeth3355]

What a pleasant surprise. The highest possible information and quality production, thank you Paul.

[@dayangmarikit6860]

I love the temples of Bagan, in fact just awhile ago I was looking at some photos on Pinterest, however I don't know much about its history... This podcast would be a special treat for me, thanks.

[@d.c.8828]

Hitting another one out of the park! Thanks, Mr. Cooper and the amazing team behind this fantastic educational podcast!

[@micomata]

I appreciate how you bring attention to more obscure civilisations. Can't wait to dive into this latest episode.

[@Poopanator1000]

I just finished the series last week and was voraciously searching the internet to see when a new episode might drop. Absolutely delighted to see this pop up in my feed!

[@glennbramd7213]

I love how much detail you put into the set up of these. Even referencing the geology

[@tonybolstad9514]

Definitely one of my favourite channels on KZbin. Thank you for all of the care and attention you put into each and every episode.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Tony, really glad you're enjoying

[@russelljackson2818]

Another brilliant episode! I don't know what else to say, you all are simply unrivalled!

[@kutulukutu]

So glad to see a new video. Thank you!

[@sevenprovinces]

In the early 21th century, the little-known Dutch internet explorer, SevenProvinces, stumbled on his 16th video by Fall of Civilizations in, what was then known, as the youtube region. Stumbling through inane videos, hysterical conspiracy theories, an uncountable multitude of cat videos it was - with a breathe of clear relief that he noted "omg yes! Another Fall of Civilization video!, Thank you so much! These are, still and always, some of the best, if not the best historical documentaries on youtube and well beyond."

[@stevebarber8501]

Absolutely fascinating. Thank you.

[@jimmyotool9533]

Been listening to your podcasts for the last 2 years now. The way you narrate is how to put it, informative, captivating and easy to understand. I would really love it if in the future you could do one on Parthia, that would be just awesome, either way I look forward to each episode, hats of to the time and effort you put into each one 😊

[@MrKristian]

Yes this makes my day! A new episode to listen to over and over.

[@anthonybird546]

I can't wait to see the video version of this. This was amazing.

[@cruderagna4654]

Amazing work. Definitely get lost in the the attention to detail. Just listening takes you on an incredible adventure and journey. Thank you so much for these historical gifts

[@tomriley5790]

Really interesting story, thank you for again putting the stories of the people and the civilisation to the remaining archeology and ruins.

[@Resolutionproject1]

I've loved listening to these as I play No Man's Sky. Now I am chuffed to see a new podcast AND an update to NMS. Thank you for your well researched and lovingly crafted videos/podcasts. They are simply my favourite thing on KZbin right now. Please keep up the excellent work!