Development of Cities before the Establishment of Ayutthaya

Abstract

The article aims to create understanding of the location and development of cities in the Chaophraya Basin before the emergence of Ayutthaya in relation to the economy, particularly to understand the emergence, existence and changes of the cities occurring before the city of Ayutthaya, and to understand the emergence of Ayutthaya that occurred within the context of maritime trade like other hub cities established before Ayutthaya. The results show that the location of the ancient cities in the basin was suitable for trade by sea, and that opportunity led to the emergence of commercial city centers in the Chaophraya Basin. Because of the changes in geographical conditions and commercial contexts, the city centers deteriorated and new central cities associated with the deteriorated cities emerged. The study also shows the opportunity to build a network of cities to enhance maritime trade, these characteristics were also seen when Ayutthaya was established.