Magway Region
Magway Region is an administrative division in central Myanmar. It is the second largest of Myanmar's seven divisions. The capital and second largest city of the Magway Division is Magway.
Beikthano
Beikthano is situated in the irrigated Magway Region, near present-day Taungdwingyi. In the era of the Pyu city-states it was a city of considerable significance, possibly a local capital replacing Sri Ksetra.
Beikthano is traditionally believed to have been founded some 2,400 years ago by Princess Pan Htwar descended from a still legendary dynasty of Tagaung in Upper Myanmar. The fall of the city is attributed to a mightier king, Duttabaung of Sri Ksetra, who sacked the city, subdued the princess, took her captive and eventually married her. In the present stage of historical research in this country the personalities characterized in the legend are beyond authentic identification.
THOSE enthusiasts who want to explore the history and heritage of the ancient buildings, the old piece of jewellery, the ancient moat and the fort, can visit the ancient city called Beikthano, inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List, and the Beikthano Museum in Magway Region. This hidden gem of Myanmar is 12 miles away from Taungdwingyi city in Magway Region. The World Heritage-listed Beikthano old city is located in the north of the Yin creek and Saton creek and in the south of Toungoo creek and Yanpe creek. The remnant features proved the scientific facts of the old city dating back to more than 1,000 years to between BC 190 and 5th Century AD. It was recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed three Pyu ancient city-states on 22 June 2014. Additionally, the Beikthano Museum will also feature the prehistorical artefacts of the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age. The earthen urns, iron tools, Pyu Era coins, stone beats, bronze cups, statues and bells were discovered in the old city. The moat, fort and palace models, ancient city’s maps, evacuation maps and zone mappings are displayed at the museum. The museum is open between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm every day, except Monday and the gazetted holidays.
The local visitors can explore the architectural treasure of the ancient city free of charge.