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200
Anyathians and Shan state tribe are artists, hunters, and gatherers
Anyathians, a pre-historic tribe were among the first to settle in what is today Myanmar, and used wood and stone tools. Another tribe in Shan state left cave paintings and rudimentary tools, as evidence of their early presence as well. -
200
Mons, Bamars, and the Pyus were settling into Myanmar
Approximately 300 CE three powerful tribes began to settle Myanmar in three distinct regions. The Mons came from the east and settled around the mouth of the Sittaung River. Also the Pyus, came down from the Tibetan Plateau and into the Ayeyarwady River valley. The third tribe was the Bamars who eventually rose in prominence when the Mons forced the Pyus to retreat from their territory. -
Jan 1, 1044
The Bagan Dynasty
This was Myanmar's first Dynasty. The king was Anawrahta. During this time he was able to conquer and control the major tribes for the first time and unite much of the region as one. This empire brought Buddhism to the country, which has been the leading religion ever since. -
Jan 1, 1287
Kublai Khan destroyed the Bagan Dynasty
Kublai Khan, the great Mongolian leader, led his armies into Myanmar and destroyed the Bagan Dynasty. After his troups departed the Bagan empire collapsed. The original tribes split apart once again and Myanmar returned to be a collection of small states who were often at war with one another. -
The Konbaung Dynasty
The Konbaung Dynasty was Myanmar's third and last Dynasty. King Alaungpaya united the country by conquering the Mons in the south and in the process founded Yangon. During this empire art, culture and trade flourished. The influence of this sophisticated era continues to be seen in modern day Myanmar culture. -
British Rule
During this time Myanmar was ruled as one of the British colonies. Great Britain exported teak, rice, and gems from Myanmar, but no economic benefit came to the people themselves. The British brought in Indians and other foreigners to hold all the important military and civil posts in most of the country. The country was mostly unified but life remained poor and difficult for the masses in general. -
Independence
After years of struggle and civil unrest Britain granted Myanmar independence. With this independence, however, old tribal conflicts and political discord prevented any hope for an easy transition to national unity. The British had intended the country to turn to democracy but it was not to be. The modern era of Myanmar has proven to be one of dictators and military rule. -
Military Group takes over Government
On this date students and ordinary citizens all over the country rose up in national demonstration against the hugely unpopular regime of Ne Win. The public protest was part of a months' long revolt and while it did finally force Ne Win from power on August 12 it sadly brought no real change to Myanmar. Thousands of citizens were slaughtered in attempts to put down the unrest and in a matter of weeks a military group seized power and declared an end to all forms of civil freedom.
