Bayinnaung
16 January 1516 – 10 October 1581
Bayinnaung (1516-1581) was king of the Toungoo dynasty of Burma and one of the most powerful rulers in Southeast Asian history. Through a series of military campaigns he assembled the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, encompassing much of modern Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Manipur. He is remembered in Myanmar as one of the country's three greatest unifying monarchs.
Lived at the same time
Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Bayinnaung.
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Life events
Bayinnaung was born in Toungoo (Taungoo), then a small kingdom in central Burma, according to royal chronicle tradition.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgHis marriage to Tabinshwehti's sister cemented his position within the Toungoo royal family.
As a young commander he led Toungoo forces to a decisive victory over Hanthawaddy forces at Naungyo, earning the title Bayinnaung ('King's Elder Brother').
Source: en.wikipedia.orgFollowing the assassination of Tabinshwehti in 1550, Bayinnaung fought to reclaim and reunify the fractured kingdom, taking the throne.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgHis forces captured Ava, bringing Upper Burma under Toungoo control.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgBayinnaung brought the northern Thai kingdom of Lan Na under Burmese suzerainty.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgAfter a lengthy siege, his armies took the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya, making Siam a vassal state.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgA second conquest of Ayutthaya in 1569 consolidated an empire stretching over much of mainland Southeast Asia, administered from his capital at Pegu.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgBayinnaung died in his capital Pegu; his vast empire began to unravel soon after under his son Nanda Bayin.
Source: en.wikipedia.org