Rethinking Chiangmai: King Mangrai, Power, and Global Climate

Abstract

This article investigates the history of Lanna during the founding of Chiang Mai through the analytical framework of the longue durée history, with particular emphasis on global climatic factors. The study pursues two main objectives: (1) to trace evidence of global climatic fluctuations during the late thirteenth to early fourteenth centuries, marking the end of the Medieval Warm Period as reflected in Lanna historical documents, and (2) to analyze the relationship between King Mangrai’s territorial expansion during the state formation of Chiang Mai and regional climatic changes.

The findings suggest, first, that early Lanna chronicles contain accounts consistent with evidence from other regions regarding climatic irregularities in the same period. Second, the severe global climatic changes occurring in temperate zones were closely linked to Mangrai’s expansion into the more fertile southern areas. As a newly established ruler, Mangrai reinforced his political legitimacy through the creation of water management systems and the urban planning of Chiang Mai. These measures not only effectively responded to climatic instability but also elevated Chiang Mai into a new religious center. Central to this transformation was the sacred Ping River, which became a key axis in the construction of both legitimacy and political authority.