EMPIRE GROWTH:
In 450 AD, legendary Phraya Kalavarnadit founded the kingdom of Lavo, one of the Dvaravati
city-states in the Chao Phaya River basin. A Chenla
(precursor of the Khmer empire) king named Isanavarman I
conquered much of the region in the 7th century AD, including
cities such as Lopburi and
Phimai.
Another legendary ruler circa 800 AD was Queen Jamadevi of Haripunjaya
(aka Hariphunchai). Her twin sons became kings of Lampang
and Lamphun (aka Hariphunchai).
Legend also claimed a hermit named Suthep founded its principal city in 661 AD, however, the
actual founding date likely was circa 750 AD. Mon rulers embraced Theravada
Buddhist missionaries.
EMPIRE COLLAPSE:
Circa 1000 AD, Tai Yuan migrants moved into Mon lands. This pressure became
more intense as refugees from the Thai kingdom of Nan Chao
fled from the armies of Khublai Khan in 1253 AD. Additional
pressure on the Mon came from the Khmer Empire. Forces under King
Suryavarman II conquered much of the Mon territory in the
early 10th century AD.
In 1292 AD, Lanna troops besieged and seized Hariphunchai,
ending the kingdom of Haripunjaya.