Pagan, Myanmar

Pagan (also known as Bagan) was an important ancient kingdom in Myanmar. Its first king Anawrahta reigned from 1044-1077. He is said to have been converted to Theravada Buddhism by a Mon monk, after which he made a pilgrimage to Sri Lanka, returning to successfully convert his country, though other beliefs persisted. In 1287 the kingdom fell to the Mongols, after refusing to pay tribute.