Brief History

Early civilization in Myanmar dates back to the 1st century with archaeological evidences of the Pyu kingdoms of Thayekhittaya , Beithano and Hanlin.

In mid-11th century, Anawrhta unified the country and founded the First Myanmar Empire with its capital at Bagan. The Bagan kingdom was divided and in 1486. The Second Empire was founded in the middle of 16th Century by King Bayinnaunag . Its capital was Bago. The third and last Empire was founded by King Alaungpaya in 1752 with its capital Shwebo. The last Myanmar capital was Mandalay founded by King Mindon .

In the 19th century, three Anglo-Myanmar wars were waged in 1924, 1852 and 1885. In the 1824 war, the British obtained some Myanmar territory, and in 1852 the British controlled the lower Myanmar . Finally, in 1885,Myanmar was finally annexed to the British Empire and became a province of India, a colony of the British itself. During World War II, Myanmar was occupied by the Japanese during the years from 1942 to 1945. Then the allied forces reoccupied the country. On Jan. 4, 1948 Myanmar became a sovereign, independent state.