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From 1369–1539,
Hanthawaddy was the capital of the Mon Kingdom
of Hanthawaddy, which covered all of what is now Lower Burma. The area came under Burman
control again in 1539, when it was annexed by King Tabinshweti to his Kingdom of Toungoo. The kings of Taungoo made Bago their royal capital from
1539–1599 and again in 1613–1635, and used it as a base for repeated invasions
of Siam. As a major seaport, the
city was frequently visited by Europeans, who commented on its magnificence.
The Burmese capital relocated to Ava in 1634. In 1740, the Mon revolted and
founded the Restored Hanthawaddy
Kingdom. But Burmese King Alaungpaya captured the city in May 1757.
Bago was rebuilt by
King Bodawpaya (r. 1782-1819), but by then the river
had shifted course, cutting the city off from the sea. It never regained
