16. Bagan - City of Temples
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.
** Fall of Civilizations the book is now available to pre-order: linktr.ee/fallofcivilizations **
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 johnbartmann.com/
Footage of Mongolian horse archery by the Namnaa Horse Archery Academy.
Website: namnaa.com/
To see more: / altannergui
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @fallofcivilizations
what a champion. he learns about the subtle differences between the formal and informal diction of a country's language, just so he can use the proper name of the country in the correct context. an absolute champion of historical documentaries 🏆 😎👍
One of the many reasons I love his documentaries so much. He shows care and respect
Thank you so much for not using the word nuanced 😂👍🏼
Dear@@280SE Thznks for all but who are you? V. Sherr
@@virginiasherr7207 Thznks for your reply but who are you? M.T
Details! It's al about the DETAILS..
As a Burmese studying abroad, your documentary significantly helps with my homesickness. Really appreciate for your great effort in going far beyond the other historians to create this documentary 👍😊☺️
Weirdly enough this makes me homesick for where I grew up in the US it’s all concrete where I am now I miss the old stone structures in the misty woods and beaches I grew up in
@@nothanks9503 where *are* you now, just out of curiosity?
@@geronimo8159 150 miles inland in the US still. Once you reach the area where there’s rock underground instead of water they build stuff on every square foot of ground, so it’s all parking lots and high rises.
Your people and country is beautiful. I hope to return some day soon.
Every time an episode starts wrapping up I brace myself for the insanely poignant passage of ancient poetry that will rock me to my emotional core
hard to beat the Inca one, imo
I get choked up.
@@johnbono2384 Torn between Sumer and the Mexica over here, Nahuatl is such a beautiful language
the voice acting of the poetry wasn't that great though. the run up to it was chilling.
What a beautiful human being you are
It isn't an exaggeration to say this is by far the Highest quality of historical documentary that KZhead has to offer. Dare I say, that modern media has to offer. This is simply amazing work. As others in this comment section have expressed I too was limited in my awareness of "important civilizations." I was totally unaware of the depth and complexity these societies possessed. Thank you for presenting this information in a way that is both soothing and informative, not distracted or muddled down with unnecessary humor. You're doing a great service to all of humanity with these videos. Thank you
I agree it's perfect! Like you say no humor nonsense.
Just finished watchnig episodes 1 through 16. Phenomenal work through and through. I can't say how many times Ozymandias popped into my head while watching these. I think the thing that struck me most-besides existential dread-was how broad civilization is, both in terms of age and distribution. I used to believe that as "important civilizations" went, it was limited only to the last 2000 years and even then, only to the Mediterranean and China. Thank you for expanding my horizons in such a detailed and engaging way! I'm eagerly looking forward to the next episode.
I appreciate people like you who donate to wonderful and deserving channels like this. 💙
Many years ago I had an argument with my journalist older brother when I called a particular historical indigenous group a “civilization.” He argued that without a written language a culture cannot be considered civilized. His opinion was so uninformed, I considered it racist. This series has shown that those cultures, these fallen civilizations, were genuinely “civilized” according to my brother’s narrow requirements and that it was only his ignorance about those civilizations that drove him to defend his ridiculous claim.
Nice donation!
Visited Bagan years ago at the tail end of the tourist season. It was basically empty and since the rains had started to come in, everything was green and misty. It made an already magical place even more amazing.
Bagan in rain is one of the best view on earth. Also the earth smell when rain was really something.
Was it very difficult to get in and out of the country as an American? Who can I contact for travel information…? Please respond via this query/page and thank you
@@GuitarUniverse2013 its fine. Just stay around tourist town tho. Nobody will harass or target you but there are ongoing war/revolt on rural and in some city. Im going to Bagan in 5th.
Thanks for visited our country Welcome from Pyin Oo Lwin Town near Mandalay Namaste🙏
@@GuitarUniverse2013 I don't think you should go to burma at this time. It is not safe. I am burmese and I have never been to Bagan.
It's not often I burst into laughter while watching these masterpieces but I loved both the 18 million soldiers and Paul Cooper's deadpan response of "seeing as this would be a quarter of the world's total population, we can assume this is an exaggeration."
Me too, I laughed at the notion that the end of the army had not eve begun its march by the time the beginning of the army got to the target city. It's like the current leader of N.Korea being pushed as an athlete faster, stronger, more agile, and just plain better than all of the athletes put together in the last 5 Olympiads! 🤣
They still teach those exaggerated and censored history in our schools.... especially near the end when the military took control and the beginning of the longest civil war (in the world). It's saddening to see that our history... like our present is full of complicated inner affairs.
You don't know how excited this notification just made me!!!
He also has them in podcast form!
Same here bro, always get a nice feeling inside when one of these release
Same here.😁👍
Litteraly gasped out loud.. twice!
I understand, though. It changes my whole day every time.
These never fail to bring me joy. I get to learn a lot more about civilizations I've always been curious about yet often have no time to collect knowledge of on my own. Paul's team always launches me into the vivid world of different cultures and their histories. I am sincerely grateful. Surely, one day, all I've learned and continue to learn from your podcast will help any creative endeavors I may have.
the quality of these productions cannot be overstated. simply the best there is
It's literally just free stock film and reading...
@@donnieboughton1730 And? Are those qualities mutually exclusive with the production being high quality for some? You can use free stock films and narrations and still execute them well. It's respectable if you can't or don't appreciate this channel's videos because you're going deaf, or your earphones/headphones/devices' audio systems are waning, or even if you simply don't see what makes it great, you're entitled to your own opinions, but you must realize that others will appreciate and respect the video as well and they also have the rights to that. If you don't enjoy it as much, ok, just don't knock off people's praises simply because they're enjoying something as harmless as this video bringing up obvious and irrelevant observations about it.
I don’t understand how this series is possible. Given the quality of the video, audio, editing, narration, and research each episode should cost a fortune. This is amazing.
Yes, they are quite expensive and time consuming to make, but our audience supports us generously on Patreon.
My guess is that all the footage is in effect stolen…
@@JJ-ze6vb No, all footage used is purchased and fully licensed.
I used to be bored by history as an academic subject, but this podcast has changed this for my wife and me. Fall of Civ's is amazing! ...it teaches history, culture, geography, geology, and makes an ancient civilization so interesting that I want to travel to all these places. Thank you!
You're so right about this. Whether a subject is interesting or not depends so much on the teacher.
And we get to witness one in real time.
And puts each one in context with other global events/times.
I visited Myanmar and Bagan in 2017 - did the hot air balloon which was great, but the best part was hiring an e-motorbike and exploring the many temples, seeing the most stunning sunset on the river, enjoying the delicious food and hanging out with friendly locals. One of my most favorite countries and city to visit in SE Asia.
Gald to hear you enjoyed the visit! I have also ride around with a bike too, which is a very fantastic experience for me even as a Burmese myself(from Yangon). Only been there once, but I sure will go there another time! Three days bike journey didn't completed even half of the temples(i do like to spend a hr or two at one temple tho). Hot ballon seems so much fun! Great that you got achance to ride the thing. For me personally, very expensive hehe esp. as a Burmese on Kyat pays(Kyat= burmese currency, which usually = around 3,000 to a $ atm :/) Oh btw if you like that kinda of enviroment and classical historic sites, i'd recommand you one in Rakhine(Myanmar) called Mrauk Oo, tho not now as it is currently not very safe around due to ongoing civil war, or internal conflicts the army like to refers. The place is very similar to Bagan, built around 15th to 16th century by Rakhine kings over there. I myself haven't been there tho One of the places in my bucketlist
Probably one of the best, if not the best, choreographed and narrated history channel, and series on KZhead and probably elsewhere. Full of knowledge, coherent thought, and inspiring cinematography. Thank you so much.
I'm from Myanmar and really appreciate to your effort on this video and that was an amazing document and i love it so much
Thanks my friend, really glad you enjoyed!
Every single one of these documentaries is a work of art. Worthy of network syndication. Which ever channel picks these up will see a huge leap in audience figures. Imagine the quality of work Paul could produce with a real budget from a TV Station. Again thank you Paul, watched every single doc several times. Love your story telling, the respect you give of these civilisations, their language their culture. Love the voice overs given to actors. Love the way you place each in some kind of historical context. Truly outstanding work.
Thanks George, very kind
So true. I feel like I got in on the ground level of something amazing when I started watching these videos.
Hats off to you! As a citizen of Myanmar, it gives me chills.
These documentaries never fail to amaze. So consistent in your quality of work. Well written, with authoritative delivery and a great sense of storytelling. I always wait until the video version comes out because the images you use enhance the story. Great stuff.
it's amazing
Thanks James, really glad you're enjoying!
@@FallofCivilizations it's been 4 months already
I've been wating for this one since the podcast version came out, simply as I went to Myanmar in 2012 and found Bagan the most fascinating place I have ever been to, so wanted to see the landscape through new eyes. The justice you do to it is marvelous. Thank you.
Thanks Andy, really glad you thought so!
'For the temple bells are calling, and its there that i would be, by the old Moulmein pagoda looking lazy at the sea'. Seeing the sights and sounds of your Bagan episode make me long to go back to Myanmar. I have visited in 2005, 2011 and 2016. The civil war prevents another visit. Its an amazing country and I love how you educate me of the history of this great nation and its diverse ethnicities.
This is hands down the best historical podcast out there, and outshines most professional productions with its quality.
I could not agree more! I love his videos, they really bring history alive for me.
Wonderful video, as always. I visited Bagan (called Pagan then) in 1972 while backpacking around Asia. Getting there required a 24- hour train ride, then a 4- hour ride in the back of a truck painted to look like a bus on the outside, and finally, a 3- hour ride in a donkey cart. But it was certainly worth it. Thanks so much for this wonderful account of the history of this remarkable temple complex.
The painted truck/bus thing is so very accurate😂 I think those wooden buses were all we had back then.
The best history podcast in existence let alone YT has a new episode out! Their Assyrian episode is maybe the history feature of any type I’ve ever seen. And I was a history major and TA at UCLA and now work in geopoli intel forecasting, which requires knowing the history of many different nations. So, my interest is more than casual.
Thanks Nick, very kind of you!
@@FallofCivilizations You’re the one putting in the intensive work. Thank you. Your episode on the Assyrian empire really gave me applicable history on just how deep rooted the regional as well as Sunni and Shia rivalries are. It goes back thousands of years before Christ let alone Islam. Mind blowing!
@@FallofCivilizations i'm just wondering , why is each episode uploaded twice?, do they differ from eachother in any way? Really big fan, great job. Thank you.
@@onez2 one has video and one doesn't
Your job is my dream job! very cool!
I got a real sense of foreboding when the King picked a fight with the Mongols. I can't count how many times I've re-listened to your episodes. It's really remarkable what you do with the medium. I like how you begin with the geography, and always try to find as much as you can about the every day person in these societies, who are so often not commented on at all amongst kings and armies and generals and aristocrats. My day is always brightened when I see of your uploads.
Thanks my friend, really glad you think so.
Whatayatalkinabeet?
Sometimes he starts with the _geology,_ which I always appreciate.
@@cacogenicist I actually meant geology in my post too, thanks for the correction.
This series is an absolute gift!
Having traveled to Bagan in 2006, this episode was especially meaningful to me. The history is clouded when you visit due to both language barrier and as illustrated in the episode, a somewhat imbalanced record keeping on the Burmese side. The main storyline followed that earthquakes were the major downfall of the Bagan civilization. I have so much respect for the tireless research and fantastic narration in these episodes, and was fascinated by this episode more than any other in the series. Thank you so much for making an accurate historical record in such a non-judgmental and caring way. These episodes will live far beyond the podcasts that simply catch the passing interest of listeners. These are true historic records and will be available for centuries to come. Thank You for your hard work.
I'm not surprised that this didn't get as much views but much love for shedding light on one of southeast asia's civilizations!
Does anybody else get SO HYPED when they see FAC drops a new episode? You guys do such an amazing job in all aspects, thank you for making these!
FoC***
YES!!!
I hope there’s 100 more episodes
finally! I love falling asleep to these! They're so relaxing, and I never get sick of listening for multiple times to catch all of it.
Another high-quality, superbly narrated insight into a world few have heard of. Paul and his team continue to amaze me.
I visited this place in 2006, it was so magical. And a bit scary, given the underlying tension of the junta hovering just beneath the surface. After refreshing this ever since the podcast dropped, I'm super stoked to dig into your visuals :)
I hope you enjoyed the visit. Yes, they hv already taken over the country. Many youngsters had trying and still dying. Id wholeheartly urge you to do donation to the revolutionary groups(any of them. Just making sure the middleman is not a scam. you can do tht by tools such as PGP authi of images and so on i.e images of weapons/equiements arrived/bought by your donation)
I never comment but had to say thank you so much for such a thorough documentary! I had the good fortune of visiting Bagan in 2016 but wasn't able to learn much about its history while I was there. It was one of the most incredible places I've ever been. I spent a very memorable 3 days just spending time amongst the quiet ruins, riding around on scooters getting chased by wild dogs and exploring amongst the grazing cattle. It was awe inspiring to watch the thousands of shadows cast by the temples, sprawling out across the valley in the sunrises and sunsets,. While I was there, I learned a little bit about the history but ever since then I've wanted to really know more and I couldn't have asked for a better 2 hour introductory synopsis! So thanks again!
I've also been chased by a lot of dogs in bagan not long ago.... used to be a lot of tourists in the area but since COVID all seems to be deserted......
It just warms my heart to see that this channel is getting the views it deserves.. still deserves a billion more… but.. 🥰🥰 Absolutely been one of my favorite favorites since the beginning.. because this channels content is better than anything the TV has coughed up in 30 years minimum.. I’m SO glad we get to enjoy it, over and over! The hard work is appreciated.. thank you! 🥰
Fall of Civilizations never fails to deliver quality content! Thank you for all your hard work. I certainly appreciate it!
The way that you covered all the bagan history is so amazing! As a kid that grew up in Myanmar, learnt this during my middle school days in Myanmar when I was young but always had a hard time relating things. Really awesome podcast!
One of my favorite channels/ podcasts. The narrative. The imagery. The content and the detail. Beautiful. What work put in. I have watched almost all episodes. Very learnful. Regards from the netherlands.
Always an instant thumbs up, some of the best history content on KZhead.
I don't need the visuals for every episode but this is definitely one where they are needed. Simply stunning.
The visuals are everything... It's like traveling.
Please always include the visuals.
Netflix would be lucky to have you direct & produce historical documentaries for them.
I love this series so much, so excited to learn about this legendary Burmese city.
Amazing... both sceneries and quality of the video are stunning. I was overwhelmed by how beautiful those temples are. Truly a great treasure...How lucky that land is..God Bless.
Thank you. Always. The work you do, and have done will echo forever throughout all future generations. Pliny, Herodotus, and all the elder writers would be proud of your work. You are a legend dear Sir.
Amazing. Paul and crew your work is nothing short of miraculous.
Cheers Steven!
Loving the straight forward translations of the sources. "And he died."
I swear I was so excited to see this since you posted the audio one two months ago thank you from the bottom of my heart you and Dan Carlin are the best in totally different ways ❤
Wonderful, another excellent historical presentation of epic proportions and as always beautifully crafted, thank you.
Visited Bagan in 2004. Magical place. Many of the ancient ruins still had the original murals on the walls inside.
A vast and sprawling history masterfully made accessible. Brilliant work!🙏
There's nothing better than a new upload from Fall of Civilizations!!! 💜 💯
Thank you for all the hard work you put into these documentaries. The knowledge is just phenomenal. I have been listening and watching history documentaries for many years, your work is an absolute favourite. The quality of information is inspiring.
Another brilliant effort Paul. I watch every one a dozen times!
I also just love the opening piano portion. I get excited to hear that. Your program is something we can all come together and enjoy together as a big family as we are supposed to do ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ it’s a real treat!
again had me stuck to my seat for half a day time traveling and contemplating all things, no way to say enough how incredible of a journey you take us on. thank you !!
Can I just say I've traveled the beginning the middle and the end of KZhead over the years and your fall of civilization podcast or by far the most satisfying thing on here. I just now discovered this latest video and I am just ecstatic. Thank you very much for the enormous amount of effort you put into these mesmerizing spellbinding exceptional wonderful productions!!!
Thanks Sonny, very kind of you!
The only videos on KZhead I can give a *THUMBS UP* before I hit play. Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you, Paul!! I'll watch it with my son this weekend!!!!!
Hope you both enjoy!
@@FallofCivilizations we always do. He is 6yrs and loves your videos too. And you might say 'but they are long for a 6yr'... well this one might be the exception!
Please dont stop doing these. It makes such a change listening to these whilst i work instead of music and when i see a new ones been added it feels like a treat
I enjoy so many aspects of your documentaries… the atmosphere you create with the pace, music and respect for the drama of ancient peoples and their leaders, the ideological and religious neutrality you maintain, the inclusion of local poetry and cultural glimpses… even the grand geographical perspective that allows for a more generous grasp of the scale. I shudder to think that with such poignant episodes in history, our present civilization could be unable or unwilling to avoid a similar fate.
It's absolutely incredible how many large civilizations came and went in the years before present time.
And how many we don't know off (oxus, herappa etc etc)
This is officially my favourite history channel
Thank the sky for Fall of Civilisations! Wonderful series, so well researched, narrated, and illustrated. Amazing achievement. Thank you.
Bagan was such a magical place. I LOVE this Country so much and miss it dearly.
Visuals enhance the experience from 1000% to 1000000%
Any percentage figure more than 100 is mathematically meaningless.
@@bazsnell3178 no , it is not.
1:13:35 - Probably my favorite part, and a monument to the outstanding attention to detail in these productions, is the cat eating a shrimp. You even go to the effort of providing such visual aids for ancients' *metaphors!* 💯
Yes I was very pleased to use that clip 😌
hands down , the most high quality , fact filled in depth documentaries I have ever seen. thank you for yet another perfect watch.
This is a particularly beautiful episode...all of them are wonderful, but wow, this one seems so extra luminous...fantastically done. Bravo!
As soon as i saw the new Bagan released in audio, i was waiting for this one in video! It's one of the rare place you visit in your podcast I've actually visited myself. Went to Myanmar 1 year before it all went downhill with coups. First solo travel. Riding scooter around all those temples and climbing on one to see the sunset and all the temple tops amongst the trees, it was quite the experience, and I was so curious to learn more about them. Thank you Paul & team for your hard work.
Wow!! . I left rangoon when I was 17. In 1974. I have not been back. Thank you so much for Presenting it so well
Thanks for your works, they are epic!
You have a wonderfully enthralling and expressive voice, Paul. You make these stories of great civilizations come alive. I sometimes listen in bed as I am falling asleep, as if they were fairytales (albeit factual). Thank you so much for your contribution to world history and knowledge in an age of increasing ignorance and chaos. ❤
Your work is nothing short of amazing, I watch each episode multiple times, thank you for the amount of effort and study put in to making these! May harmony surround you
All empires are destroyed from within. None lasts forever. Amazing work as usual. This episode affected me - the last poem read at the end.
Thank you for expressing this knowledge in such a wonderful way. Your dedication is heard in every word.
Man i cant wait for the next one. Nobody makes so detailed documentaries that also is interesting.
Another amazing episode. Perfect narration and writing. Highest quality history podcast you can get. Thank you so much. (from New Mexico)
Easily the best historical documentary series on social media. Such a joy to watch and listen... And wonder.
One of the most fascinating and beautiful places I've been. It's such a shame what has happened to Myanmar over the last 2 years.
As someone who loves the endless flow of history, it is always a joy when this man uploads.
I don't even dare to imagine the effort and the amount of profound scientific research behind your masterpieces dear Paul. Your work is the category and value beyond many. In each of your works, one feels as if being participant or witness there. Thank you cordially dear Paul.
There are many historical temples. Those of the ancient days are the most fascinating to me! They were built by pure man power. AMAZING!😊🥰🎉
This channel does NOT miss! Sucks you right in and holds you captive to the end
Thank you for these beautiful documentaries🙂 you make me cry every time as a realise how many beauty, hard work and lives have been lost en how much will be lost in the future. Who knew living can be so painful at times.. but for me it’s the most splendid expression of energy in the universe
These and Journalism Docs have made KZhead worth it over all.
Blown away by the production quality!!!
Paul. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and podcasts. Your pace, pitch and voice have the perfect balance of calming and engaging. I re-watch them over and over again.
This Channel is amazing and you’re one of if not the best narrator on KZhead man. Please never stop making this type of content and I know it takes along time for these videos but I can’t wait for the next one.
A documentary worth of prime time BBC. One of the best history series on KZhead. I was fortunate to visit Bagan 20 years ago and was blown away at the grandeur of the place, so its particularly gratifying to have such a beautifully rendered and researched history of the place. Many many thanks to FoC!
ကျေးဇူးအများကြီးတင်ပါတယ် ညီအစ်ကို❤❤❤
Last time I felt this excited was when Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey came out by Neil. No episode didn't give me goosebumps. I mean, I already listened to the podcast thrice, but it was still not enough. Please continue your work.
One of the top 5 history sources on KZhead, imo! Pure gold! Been looking forward to this!
Fantastic job, Paul! Keep it coming. Can’t wait for your podcasts on the first or the second Persian Empires. Two of the most important collapses of civilizations in human history.
Thank you so much for teaching me something new!
This channel/podcast easily has the best historical documentaries I've ever had the pleasure of consuming. Thank you so very much for the great work everyone involved in these productions puts into it.
Absolutely love your work. Thanks so much.
are you donating to reincarnate wealthy in your next life? ;)
When the morose note comes in at the end of the intros gives me shivers EVERY TIME. It actually gives me visceral and almost sorrowful pleasure in how perfect it is.
This entire series is a true GEM as a docu buff this has to easily be one of the best produced I've seen in a very long time, I'm happy to discovered this channel it was one of the quickest subs I've ever made now I promote this to every docu nerd I know!!!
These documentaries are a gift. I await each episode more that any other series I follow, my favorite documentary series period. Thank you so much:)
Thank you. I'm always waiting for the next one while I watch your other videos over and over XD. Please never stop
Amazing storytelling, carefully detailed episodes told in the best way possible. Since I listened to the first episode of FoC I can't imagine my life without this channel, as it brings so much joy. Thank you Paul!
The feeling I get when you release a new episode/video will probably only be matched by George releasing Winds. Thank you for doing this with everything in me