Pyu

Pyu refers to an ancient civilization and its people who inhabited the central region of present-day Myanmar from roughly the 2nd century BCE to the 9th century CE. The Pyu established a network of fortified city-states along the Irrawaddy River and its tributaries, often characterized by grid-planned layouts, stone and brick architecture, and monumental Buddhist stupas. The principal Pyu sites include Beikthano, Halin, and Sri Ksetra (near modern Pyay).

Society and economy: The Pyu participated in long-distance trade linking China and India, and their material culture shows influences from South Asia and Southeast Asia. They used bronze, iron, ceramics, and lacquerware; coins were rare until later periods. The Pyu script, derived from Brahmi, was used on inscriptions and seals and is one of the earliest writing systems in the Burmese region, aiding the study of Pyu chronology and history.

Religion: The Pyu were Buddhist, with Theravada and Mahayana influences appearing in later layers; religious practice included Buddhist monastic complexes and stupa construction; burial customs and iconography reflect syncretism with local animist beliefs.

Decline and legacy: The Pyu cities declined after the 9th century, possibly due to shifts in trade routes, climate, or political change leading to the rise of the Pagan Kingdom. The Pyu culture influenced the development of the Burmese state and script that followed. In 2014, UNESCO inscribed the Pyu Ancient Cities as a serial World Heritage Site, recognizing Beikthano, Halin, and Sri Ksetra for their archaeological significance.

Archaeology: Excavations since the 19th century have uncovered city walls, brick temples, burial goods, and the Pyu script, which help outline urban planning, daily life, and the region's early literate culture.