ayutthaya had constructed a large number of monuments in the capital,which had totally been destroyed by the burmese invasion in 1767.the geographical situation of ayutthaya was extremely appropriate,an island in the middle of three rivers,chao praya,pasak and lopburi. therefore, ayutthaya had been easily defendable from the invading enemies.the island capital of ayutthaya had also been the maritime as well as inland trade centre.naturally,ayutthaya became affluent and powerfu,and the prosperity the kingdom had enjoyed can be seen not only in the abundant artifacts and archaeological remains,but also from the records made by the european envoyes,traders and missionaries, especially those visited the legendary ayutthaya in the late 17 th century.remnants of ancient monuments appear in and around the island.a survery of the area has located more than 200 such monuments