Over a Millennium of Influence: The Pyu Civilization and Ancient City-States

The Pyu civilization, known also as the Pyu city-states, is an ancient entity located in present day Myanmar (also known as Burma). One reason this civilization/group of city states is important is due to its links with Buddhism. Today, Buddhism is one of the major religions in the Southeast Asian region. Historically speaking, Buddhism was practiced in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The spread of Buddhism into this region, however, began with Myanmar/Burma, which shares a border with India, the birthplace of Buddhism. It was with Pyu civilization that Buddhism gained its first foothold in the region of Southeast Asia.