AYUTTHAYA

2010.03.12

money stapled...

gold leaf...

Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 by King U-Thong. It was the capital of Thailand (then called Siam) for 417 years from 1350 until it was sacked by the Burmese army in 1767. During this era, now usually referred as the Ayutthaya period or Ayutthaya kingdom, Ayutthaya was ruled by 33 kings of 5 different dynasties. The Kingdom became a major regional player, and a trade center of the East, a meeting point of European merchants and Asian traders. Notable monarchs during the Ayutthaya period include King Naresuan the Great, who liberated Ayutthaya from the first Burmese occupation and embarked on a reign of conquest, and King Narai the Great, who initiated diplomatic relations with the France, during the reign of Louis XIV. His reign was the golden age of trade and culture.

The city was positioned in a strategic position. During several months of the year, the flood plains around the cities would be flooded by the many rivers around the city. Enemy sieges were thus impossible, and forced to withdraw. This advantage was a contributing factor in the many failed Burmese invasions.

The ruins of the old capital in the Ayutthaya historical park have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since December 1991. The province is also home to the Bang Pa-in summer palace complex.

Originally named Krung Kao (กรุงเก่า), the province was renamed to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in 1919.]

thanks Maxi for information,the most I like your pictures with people - this small boy, this old lady,this girl with smthing, gold is cold,some people were / are / rich, some people were / are / very poor...

gonia · 2010-03-12: 13:54

Thanks for the great pictures and interesting info.

Ryana · 2010-03-12: 14:18

I like old ruins # 3,4,5 and portraits of people. Beautiful photos!

JumiElla · 2010-03-12: 14:18

13 is a great people shot... LOVE the first shot... and wonder what the black stuff is in #3??

DancingDolphin · 2010-03-12: 14:20

#12, 13 and 14 are really wonderful. thanks and have a great weekend.

storytaylor · 2010-03-12: 14:41

Fantastic set!!
I love #1, 13 and 14.

jennye · 2010-03-12: 16:19

Very interesting set! I love the closeup in #8.

dontblink · 2010-03-12: 19:10

A wonderful set. I love these beautiful, honest shots of culture and tradition. Fantastic work, especially 8, 12 and 14. :)

livelovelaugh · 2010-03-12: 23:09

wonderful shots!

soubhagya · 2010-03-13: 01:00

Ce sont magiquement belles photos; Bouddhas sont impressionnants ; ton voyage est fantastique et intéressant. La Thaïlande est un endroit merveilleux à visiter!!!!
# 6,8,12,14 sont magnifiques :)

????? · 2010-03-13: 05:15

Great set and wonderful captures ! Have a good meditations !

somogyvari · 2010-03-13: 10:52

Merci d'être notre guide dans ce voyage si spéciale et pour les informations sur l'histoire de ce très bel endroit. Je ne peux pas dire laquelle est la plus beau, parece qu'elles sont toutes, mais la plus mignonne est la photo 14! :)

Unchained · 2010-03-13: 12:29