Until the early 15th century, the city we now know as Bangkok was under the rule of Ayutthaya. Thanks to its pertinent location adjacent to the Chao Phraya River, the area grew in importance. Following the fall of Ayutthaya and the succession to the throne by King Chulaloke, Rama I, it became Thailand's capital city from 1782 under its formal name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. Initially, nothing more than a small trading post encircled by wild plum trees, Bangkok can be translated as Village of the Plums.