Founded in 1350 C.E., Ayutthaya was the capital of Siam until the 18th century. The city sits on an island surrounded by three rivers which lead to the sea.
The city was named after a magical kingdom from the Ramakien, Thailand's national epic and was home to many finely built monuments including palaces and temples.
Following the city's destruction in 1767, the capital was moved to Bangkok where an effort was made to recreate the urban template and architecture of Ayutthaya.