16. Bagan - City of Temples

what a champion. he learns about the subtle differences between the formal and informal diction of a country's language, just so he can use the proper name of the country in the correct context. an absolute champion of historical documentaries 🏆 😎👍

As a Burmese studying abroad, your documentary significantly helps with my homesickness. Really appreciate for your great effort in going far beyond the other historians to create this documentary 👍😊☺️

Every time an episode starts wrapping up I brace myself for the insanely poignant passage of ancient poetry that will rock me to my emotional core

It isn't an exaggeration to say this is by far the Highest quality of historical documentary that YouTube has to offer. Dare I say, that modern media has to offer. This is simply amazing work. As others in this comment section have expressed I too was limited in my awareness of "important civilizations." I was totally unaware of the depth and complexity these societies possessed. Thank you for presenting this information in a way that is both soothing and informative, not distracted or muddled down with unnecessary humor. You're doing a great service to all of humanity with these videos. Thank you

Just finished watchnig episodes 1 through 16. Phenomenal work through and through. I can't say how many times Ozymandias popped into my head while watching these. I think the thing that struck me most—besides existential dread—was how broad civilization is, both in terms of age and distribution. I used to believe that as "important civilizations" went, it was limited only to the last 2000 years and even then, only to the Mediterranean and China. Thank you for expanding my horizons in such a detailed and engaging way! I'm eagerly looking forward to the next episode.

It's not often I burst into laughter while watching these masterpieces but I loved both the 18 million soldiers and Paul Cooper's deadpan response of "seeing as this would be a quarter of the world's total population, we can assume this is an exaggeration."

Visited Bagan years ago at the tail end of the tourist season. It was basically empty and since the rains had started to come in, everything was green and misty. It made an already magical place even more amazing.

These never fail to bring me joy. I get to learn a lot more about civilizations I've always been curious about yet often have no time to collect knowledge of on my own. Paul's team always launches me into the vivid world of different cultures and their histories. I am sincerely grateful. Surely, one day, all I've learned and continue to learn from your podcast will help any creative endeavors I may have.

You don't know how excited this notification just made me!!!

I visited Myanmar and Bagan in 2017 - did the hot air balloon which was great, but the best part was hiring an e-motorbike and exploring the many temples, seeing the most stunning sunset on the river, enjoying the delicious food and hanging out with friendly locals. One of my most favorite countries and city to visit in SE Asia.

I used to be bored by history as an academic subject, but this podcast has changed this for my wife and me. Fall of Civ's is amazing! ...it teaches history, culture, geography, geology, and makes an ancient civilization so interesting that I want to travel to all these places. Thank you!

I don’t understand how this series is possible. Given the quality of the video, audio, editing, narration, and research each episode should cost a fortune. This is amazing.

the quality of these productions cannot be overstated. simply the best there is

Probably one of the best, if not the best, choreographed and narrated history channel, and series on YouTube and probably elsewhere. Full of knowledge, coherent thought, and inspiring cinematography. Thank you so much.

These documentaries never fail to amaze. So consistent in your quality of work. Well written, with authoritative delivery and a great sense of storytelling. I always wait until the video version comes out because the images you use enhance the story. Great stuff.

I've been wating for this one since the podcast version came out, simply as I went to Myanmar in 2012 and found Bagan the most fascinating place I have ever been to, so wanted to see the landscape through new eyes. The justice you do to it is marvelous. Thank you.

Wonderful video, as always. I visited Bagan (called Pagan then) in 1972 while backpacking around Asia. Getting there required a 24- hour train ride, then a 4- hour ride in the back of a truck painted to look like a bus on the outside, and finally, a 3- hour ride in a donkey cart. But it was certainly worth it. Thanks so much for this wonderful account of the history of this remarkable temple complex.

Every single one of these documentaries is a work of art. Worthy of network syndication. Which ever channel picks these up will see a huge leap in audience figures. Imagine the quality of work Paul could produce with a real budget from a TV Station. Again thank you Paul, watched every single doc several times. Love your story telling, the respect you give of these civilisations, their language their culture. Love the voice overs given to actors. Love the way you place each in some kind of historical context. Truly outstanding work.

I'm from Myanmar and really appreciate to your effort on this video and that was an amazing document and i love it so much

Having traveled to Bagan in 2006, this episode was especially meaningful to me. The history is clouded when you visit due to both language barrier and as illustrated in the episode, a somewhat imbalanced record keeping on the Burmese side. The main storyline followed that earthquakes were the major downfall of the Bagan civilization. I have so much respect for the tireless research and fantastic narration in these episodes, and was fascinated by this episode more than any other in the series. Thank you so much for making an accurate historical record in such a non-judgmental and caring way. These episodes will live far beyond the podcasts that simply catch the passing interest of listeners. These are true historic records and will be available for centuries to come. Thank You for your hard work.