However, it was in Burma where European military
technology apparently had its greatest appeal, and may
have made a measurable contribution to the resurgence of
Burman strength. The founders of a new dynasty
originating from Toungoo, Tabinshwehti (r. 1531-50) and his
successor Bayinnaung (r. 1551-81), aimed from the outset
to recreate a centralized state in the Irrawaddy basin, and
the advent of the Europeans was thus timely.
• Besieged by Bayinnaung's army, Ayutthaya fell in August
1569 and by 1574 Vientiane in Lan Sang was also in Burman
hands. For the first time in history Burman rulers had been
able to subdue the 'great arc of Tai-speaking peoples', and
from Chiengmai to Ayutthaya splendid new pagodas built at
Bayinnaung's direction proclaimed the power of the king
whom the Mons referred to in awe as the 'Victor of the Ten
Directions'