Global Treasures: Bagan

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1203

UPC: 879061008023

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Bagan, located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River in today's Myanmar, is a beautiful temple area, although little remains of its early history.

Close to Bagan's city walls is the majestic Ananda Temple, which is dedicated to four Buddhas and was built at the end of the 11th century during the reign of King Kyanzittha.

Situated on the river bank is what is believed to be Bagan's oldest pagoda, Bupaya. Its architecture indicates that it dates back to the time of the Pyusawdi. According to legend, both the construction of the unusual Manuha Temple and its name date back to a captured Mon King who, it is believed, gifted the building to the city.

The Shwegugyi Temple, the "Great Golden Cave," indicates the transition of the once prolific Mon style to the Burmese architecture that followed.

In recent times, these temples have attracted an increasing number of worshippers, and there is no doubt that today they are among the world's most prized cultural treasures.