South East Asia 30 BCE

What is happening in South East Asia in 30BCE

Civilization and the Pye kingdom

The first literate and urban civilization of South East Asia has now appeared, in Burma. This is linked to the Pye kingdom, which, lying across the trade routes between China and India which pass down the Irrawaddy river system to the Indian Ocean, has received influences from both these great civilizations. The kingdom seems to be a confederacy of small states under a royal overlord based in the city of Pyu. According to Chinese records, the Pye culture is strongly Buddhist by religion, and is noted for its emphasis on humane values.

Next map, South East Asia in 200 CE